by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Hogies Cam paced to a 1:58.2 victory in the third race on Tuesday, April 29, at Monticello Raceway, and in the process equaled the 25-year-old track record of nine consecutive victories.

Racehorsephoto.com photo

Hogies Cam (Jordan Stratton) cruised to his ninth win in a row which equaled the track record.

The victory by Hogies Cam tied the mark established in 1983 by pacer Don Torpid and driver Walter Case, Jr. Coincidently, Case at that time, was an up and coming driver and it may be only fitting that Jordan Stratton, who drove Hogies Cam to victory, is currently seeing his star on the rise.

Stratton, a mild mannered young man with immense talent, had a grin from ear to ear after reining Hogies Cam to the track record equaling performance. Though Stratton’s joy was definitely apparent, still he was quick to pay homage to others.

“It’s easy when you have a good horse and good trainer (Bob Beauregard),” Stratton said. “Bob made a great claim and if we get a little luck next week we’ll have a real good chance at a new track record.”

So dominant has Hogies Cam been in recent weeks that once again in his race there was no show betting.

As the wings of the mobile starting gate folded, Stratton sent Hogies Cam to the front and they led the field by the quarter pole in :28.1. After getting a :31.2 breather over the next stanza, Billy Parker, Jr. kept Briar’s Return tight on Stratton’s back as they passed the half-mile marker in :58.2.

Up the backstretch Hogies Cam and Brian’s Return were still 1-2, but as they approached the three-quarter pole Hogies Cam began to pace away from his competition. In the lane the only thing in doubt was the margin of victory which turned out to be 3-1/4 lengths at the finish.

Claimed by Beauregard’s patron Charles Strukel for $5,000 on March 13 and recently competing in the $10,000 claiming ranks, the race on Tuesday was the first time that Hogies Cam was in for a $12,500 tag.

When Beauregard was asked why he chose to claim Hogies Cam he explained, “I’ve been watching him race for a while and found out that he could get around a half-mile track without any trouble. A few years ago Hogies Cam won in 1:53.2 at Maywood Park. I’m good with classy old horses and I believe I was right on the mark here.”

When asked what class he was going to enter Hogies Cam in next week with the record on the line he snapped, “If the owner lets me I’ll put him in for $10,000 again. I really want the record!”

Not only does Hogies Cam share Monticello Raceway’s consecutive win mark, but the victory was the pacer’s 12th of the season and he continues to lead all horses in North America in races won in 2008.

However, Hogies Cam isn’t the only winning horse in the Beauregard stable. Financial Aid, a 10-time winner this year, and Trot West Bandit, who has nine victories, are also conditioned by Beauregard.

For Stratton it marked his 109th driving victory of the season here and he leads runner-up Bruce Aldrich, Jr. on the local leaderboard by 10 victories, 109-99.