by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — An old Jerry Reed song proclaimed “when you’re hot….you’re hot” and that’s just what Sand E Fiftyfive is. The 6-year-old I Am A Fool mare scored her tenth consecutive victory at Monticello Raceway on Monday afternoon (Feb. 27).

For the second week in a row trainer Billy Kapinos handed the lines to Billy Dobson and once again the man in blue, gray and white colors got the job done when he guided Sand E Fiftyfive to a 1:58.4 triumph over Winsmith Jess, driven by Jimmy Taggart, Jr.

Geri Schwarz photo

Sand E Fiftyfive’s sixth win this year ties her for the lead in races won in North America.

In her win on Monday, Sand E Fiftyfive was parked by the quarter pole before she gained command and then led the field by the halfway point in :59.2. From there Dobson opened daylight on the field and then cruised home an easy winner.

It was the mare’s sixth seasonal triumph, which ties her with six others for the most wins in North America thus far this year. Of course, prior to the new year Sand E Fiftyfive had four wins in a row, which were the lion’s share of the seven that the mare posted during the 2011 season.

“She (Sand E Fiftyfive) has been racing well by keeping her away from the racetrack. We stable her at Golden Show Farms (about 20 miles from the raceway) where she can be turned out between races which helps her spirits and keeps her fresh,” Kapinos noted.

But according to her trainer, who is now tied for the lead in training victories here, Sand E Fiftyfive’s consecutive win streak at the Mighty M will be interrupted during the upcoming month.

“She’s in a claiming series at Buffalo in March so her next start will be there,” Kapinos added.

Sand E Fiftyfive is owned by Barry Charles of New Rochelle, N.Y. Understandably sent off as the prohibitive favorite, she paid $2.30 for win.