by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway
Monticello, NY — An old adage says “there are horses for courses” and that moniker absolutely fits Blue Creek Angie who had her 13th season’s triumph at Monticello Raceway on Tuesday afternoon (Oct. 11).
Last year the 8-year-old daughter of On The Attack-Hiromi Hanover had 16 victories here and before the curtain comes down on this season, especially with the form she is currently in, Blue Creek Angie will probably garner a few more wins.
Geri Schwarz photo
Blue Creek Angie certainly seems to enjoy Bruce Aldrich, Jr.’s attention after her 13th season’s triumph.
On Tuesday, Blue Creek Angie was victorious in a time of 1:55.4, which was the best clocking the veteran pacing mare has ever produced on a half-mile track. She’s owned, trained and driven by Bruce Aldrich, Jr. and it’s no secret around the Mighty M that the mare is the apple of Aldrich’s eye.
“I just love this mare,” he said. “She’s been nothing but good for me and now has 29 wins in her last two years. She used to be a stone front runner — and she won plenty of times on the front end — but this season she has learned to come from behind. And still she keeps winning.”
On Tuesday she started from post three and settled in fourth position as her recent nemesis, Edie’s Desire with Zeke Parker driving, cut swift fractions on the front end.
As Edie’s Desire rambled by the half in :57.3 Aldrich moved Blue Creek Angie out behind cover provided by Sonodor and driver Jimmy Taggart, Jr. But Blue Creek Angie had the front as she passed the three-quarters in 1:26 and from there cruised home three lengths ahead of Sonodor in a time of in 1:55.4. Edie’s Desire, who already has 15 wins this year, faded and finished fourth in this contest.
In an unusual winner’s circle photograph, Aldrich jumped out of the sulky and went to Blue Creek Angie’s head and began to talk to her and kiss her profusely.
“I can’t believe how good she is right now and how good she’s been for the past two years,” Aldrich said between kisses. “Racing for small purses (in the lower end claiming ranks for most of the year) she has earned almost $34,000 for me. And last year she won $28,000. How can I not love her?”
Aldrich, who is again having a banner year in the sulky while going head to head with Zeke Parker for the driving leadership, scored another hat trick on Wednesday while Parker was unusually skunked.
As of Oct. 12, in the battle for leading driver, Aldrich has vaulted into command and now leads Parker by six wins, 306-300.