by Shawn Wiles, for Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — On Thursday afternoon (April 12) at Monticello Raceway, Michael Merton put on a driving clinic and won five of the afternoons nine races.

Geri Schwarz photo

Vinnies Valentine provided Michael Merton with his fifth win of the day.

Merton started off the day by winning both ends of the early daily double with Musical Romance (1:59.3 – $3.80) and Sly Ruler (1:57.2 – $5.80). He came right back in the next race and scored with Wink And Nod (1:59 – $9.30).

The next trip to the winner’s circle came in the seventh race aboard Try’s Little Prince (1:57.4 – $10.00) that win gave trainer Robert Lounsbury a training double for the day.

The fifth win came in the last race of the day with Vinnies Valentine (1:58.1 – $12.00)

Going into the day, Merton was the leading dash driver, the five-bagger upped his tally to 74 wins, James

DeVaux is tied in second place with former Monticello Raceway Rising Star Austin Siegelman, both with 68 wins; Bruce Aldrich is third with 58 wins.