Monticello, NY — As Jimmy Devaux entered the winner’s circle after his fifth win on the Thursday (Jan. 14) card at Monticello Raceway, track announcer Howard Oil said, “When you’re hot, you’re hot.”

His Excellence capped a five-win Thursday for Jimmy Devaux at Monticello Raceway. Geri Schwarz photo.

Devaux’s banner day started in race two with 13-year-old gelding Road Untraveled ($6.00, 2:00.3), who eaarned his first win of the season for trainer Dave Dziengiel. The 53-year-old reinsman went on to win with Thisishowwedoit ($2.60, 1:57.4), Giddyallyougot ($14.00, 2:00.2) and Preacher Ollie ($3.50, 1:57.3) before concluding his five-bagger with His Excellence ($12.20, 1:57) in the ninth race for trainer Art Green.

With nine wins in the last two days, Devaux has taken a slim lead over Mike Merton in the young 2021 Monticello season.

Cory Stratton also drove two winners on the card.

Over $656,000 was wagered on the 10-race card.

Live racing returns to Monticello Friday afternoon (Jan. 15) with a 12:25 p.m. first post.