by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Bob Lounsbury’s horses are hard to beat at Monticello Raceway attested by the fact that the outstanding trainer has harnessed 75 winners in 214 starts, led by the incredible Tracys Song, who has run her consecutive win streak to 18. And before DVC Gifted Indeed got claimed from his barn the venerable pacer scored nine victories.

Geri Schwarz photo

Civil Cause was a 2:00 winner on Wednesday.

Now the Lounsbury-trained trotter Civil Cause just scored his 10th season triumph on Wednesday (June 12) in a 2:00 clocking for Bruce Aldrich, Jr., Lounsbury’s driver of choice.

“Somebody told me that if ‘Civil’ wins today he’d be just three wins behind the nation’s seasonal trotting leader,” said Lounsbury who is never short on confidence. “And I believe we’ll keep closing that gap before too many months go by.”

After starting from the two hole Aldrich allowed Jimmy Devaux and Mac Attack Mac to take command on the first turn. From there Civil Cause comfortably followed along until the final turn when Aldrich unleashed his trotter and they cruised on to an easy 1-1/2 length victory over a fast closing Four Starz F and driver Jimmy Taggart, Jr. Mac Attack Mac faded and finished third.

This was the trotter’s second win against $10,000 claiming company.

“He’s real good in the right class and he seemed to handle the tens ($10,000 claimers) OK,” Aldrich said. “He’s so handy and easy to drive, whether on the lead or coming from behind.”

Civil Cause, a 7-year-old Like A Prayer gelding, equaled his seasonal best with his victory. He’s owned by Mo Coo Inc and Jonathan Klee Racing. He paid $3.50 for win.

Also of note on the Wednesday card was the third leg of the Catskill Amateur Drivers Club’s Pacing Series which was won by Gerry Fielding when he sat off the pace and then rallied Ticker Tape to an easy seven length triumph in a 2:00 clocking.

Ticker Tape reeled in B B Smash (Matt Zuccarello) and Amazida (Tony Verruso), who finished second and third, respectively, in a tight place photo.

Fielding, a charter member of the C.K.G. Billings Amateur Driving Series and president of the Catskill Club, felt the race went exactly as he had expected.

“I got a quick first half and kept my horse back off the pace and when I pulled him near the three-quarters he shot to the lead and then coasted home an easy winner,” Fielding related after his driving victory.

Ticker Tape, owned and trained by Gerald Decker of Monticello, N.Y., scored his fourth win in nine seasonal starts and paid $5.80 for win.

For Fielding, it marked his first driving victory of the season after three trips to the post, and the 63rd of his amateur career.