by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — The “battle” continues. Zeke Parker won four races Monday (September 19) at Monticello, but he didn’t extend his lead in races won over Bruce Aldrich, Jr. who had a four-bagger himself. The current count is Parker 277, Aldrich 271.

The battle for driving supremacy may seem a bit trivial to the average fan, but it’s taken quite seriously by Parker and Aldrich.

“Being the leading driver is quite an accomplishment and one I don’t take lightly,” Aldrich said. “And going head to head with Zeke presents a big obstacle because he’s one helluva driver, and always has been.”

Parker, on the other hand, is much more reserved. He’s not a demonstrative individual and one who usually keeps his feelings and thoughts to himself. But with Aldrich playing the challenger Parker can’t help but get involved.

“I’ve won plenty of (driving) titles but as long as you are driving you can’t win enough of them,” he offered. “I guess it’s just a matter of pride to be the leader.”

Parker drew first blood, winning the third race with Ruth Ingram’s Bay Street in 1:58.3 but Aldrich countered and won the next three races. He scored in the fourth with Mc Coo Inc. and Jonathan Klee Racing’s trotter Dua Don A in 2:00 and came right back to win the fifth with Woody Hoblitzell and Linda Bushu’s Moonlit Tori in 2:00. Aldrich won the sixth behind Rebackoff, Raiano and Sorentino’s trotter Our Special Girl in a time of 2:01.4.

Geri Schwarz photo

Blue Creek Angie was Bruce Aldrich, Jr.’s fourth triumph when he guided her home in 1:59.1.

Then Zeke won the seventh with Jay and Melissa Appleblatt’s Sweet Temptation in 1:57.4 but Aldrich countered again and notched his fourth win when he guided his own Blue Creek Angie home first in a 1:59.1`clocking, which was the mare’s 11th victory this season.

Maybe Aldrich felt somewhat confident that he’d gained ground on Parker that day but the inimitable Zeke would have none of that. He won the 10th race with Keebler, Wagner and Woogen’s trotter Sin To Win in 2:00.4 and then won the nightcap behind Heidi Rohr’s Warden Woody in 1:57.1.

The battle will undoubtedly go right on down to season’s end (December 29) but both reinsmen might have to keep looking over their shoulders as Jimmy Taggart, Jr., who won two races himself on Monday, creeps up on the leaders and now has 205 driving victories here this season.