Monticello, NY —  With Saratoga Raceway now open and drivers Jim Devaux and Greg Merton opting to race there, Bruce Aldrich Jr. took advantage of their absence and scored five winners on Monday afternoon (Feb. 17) at Monticello Raceway.

Ladybeluckytonite was one of five winners on Monday for Bruce Aldrich Jr. Geri Schwarz photo.

Aldrich won the first three races on the program. His first winner was the Rick Dane Jr. trained Ladybeluckytonite (post four). The Art Major mare scored in 1:58.3 ($3.00) for her second win of the young season. Jasmine Ivy overcame the outside post seven to win in a tight photo over The Filly Princess in 2:00.1 ($19.00) for trainer Raheim Strong. The Palone Ranger mare is owned by John DeSantis. The triple came aboard the ultra-consistent Demand An Answer in a wire-to-wire win in 2:01.1 ($13.60) for trainer Laura Perino.

Lily Hanover kept the banner afternoon alive when she scored in 2:02.4 ($9.40). The win gave Laura Perino a training double on the afternoon in race five.

Storyboard would cap off the afternoon and give Aldrich win five. Bob Lounsbury trains the well-bred daughter of Art Official who earned her first win of the year for owner Robert Main. Starting from the rail Storyboard won in 1:57.2 ($19.80).

This marks the third time this season that Aldrich has driven at least four winners on an afternoon. The five wins puts Aldrich (39) in first place for leading dash winners at the track, overtaking Jim Devaux (35).