by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Scottish Cross trotted to a new track record for older trotting mares at Monticello Raceway on Wednesday (Sept. 24) when Mike Merton guided the 9-year-old daughter of Angus Hall to a 1:56.4 triumph. That clocking erased the former standard of 1:57 co-held by Aren’t I Hanover and Mymomsablizzard, both set last year.

It marked the second time in just a week that a track record was lowered. On Sept. 17, Bruce Aldrich Jr. drove On The Podium to a 1:56.2 victory which was a new standard for older trotting geldings. In all, thus far during the 2014 season here, nine new track marks were established.

Geri Schwarz photo

Scottish Cross lowered the Monticello track record for older trotting mares.

Scottish Cross came to the Mighty M three weeks ago from Canada with trainer Carmen Auciello where she had been racing splendidly in claiming races. Mike Merton picked up the catch-drive behind her and in her first start here on Sept. 10 Scottish Cross was victorious in 1:58 while racing against $10,000 claimers, she with a $12,000 claiming allowance tag.

A move up to the $15,000 claiming ranks — she raced for $18,750 with her allowance — the following week resulted in a third place finish behind On The Podium’s 1:56.2 track record. But Wednesday, back down and with a $12,500 claiming tag, Merton let Scottish Cross air-out as they trotted to an oh-so-easy nine length track record victory over Bertos Angel and Jimmy Taggart Jr.

“She was pretty handy,” Merton said of Scottish Cross who raced on the front-end from the get-go. “I was just sitting on her as we passed the half (in :57.4) and we were just a length in front at that point but as we headed up the backside I asked her a bit and we began to open daylight and the farther we went the more of a lead we had.”

At the wire Scottish Cross was nine lengths in front of runner-up Bertos Angel. Third place in that six-horse field went to Sir Siro (Jimmy Marohn Jr.).

However, as famous newscaster Paul Harvey often said, ‘now for the rest of the story.’ Trainer Bob Lounsbury’s patron, Philip Schultz, plunked down the 12 large and they took her from her previous owners, Denarben Stables and Rocco Auciello.

Sent off as the betting favorite in the race, Scottish Cross won for the 12th time this year and returned a $3.20 win payoff.