by Steve Terjanian, for Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Although racing fans have grown accustomed to Shadows Best Buddy’s game racing style over the 2006 season, nothing could have prepared them for the monster-like mile Larry Stalbaum’s charge would put in on Tuesday, Dec. 19.

Racehorsephoto.com photo

Shadows Best Buddy holds on for a 1:57.2 victory despite being parked the entire mile.

Parked with cover past the quarter, Stalbaum lost that cover when Mohammad Ali N brushed to the top, and was forced to grind it out the rest of the way with Stephane Bouchard keeping him hung out. Through a :28 opening quarter and :56.2 half, Stalbaum kept Buddy going, still parked and unable to go by through the 1:26.2 three-quarters. Finally taking the lead in mid-stretch it looked like Buddy was weakening as fresh charges were coming from How Forever Feels up the passing lane and Call Me Jate on the far outside, but the 7-year-old son of Keystone Raider wouldn’t give it up this day, scoring in 1:57.2.

For Shadows Best Buddy it was win number 10 on the year from 35 starts. The ultra-consistent pacer has been in the money in 26 of his 35 starts as well and earned just under $114,000 in 2006, racing almost exclusively at The Mighty M. The camera couldn’t separate How Forever Feels and Call Me Jate, who finished in a dead heat for place.

The fleet, but often erratic, Lets Roll Joe put it all together for at least one day on Tuesday. The 4-year-old son of Cambest, owned by the popular Larry Roman, paced a :57.2 final half uncovered, wearing down the tough Flirtin Forever and taking over off the final turn enroute to a solid 1:56.1 score, fastest of the strong afternoon card for driver Jimmy Marohn. B My Hero shook loose late to be up for place while Starfire took down show honors. Lets Roll Joe was winning for the 8th time in 23 starts this year, his first year of racing, and he has amassed over $29,000 for the year.

After seven wins on Monday, Monticello’s leading driver Stephane Bouchard chaueffered home five more winners on Tuesday. Presidentialantics (2:00.1), Smarty Merit (1:58.3), Eastover Court (1:58.2), Kaa Dee Herman (1:57) and Timbo Timbo (1:57.1) had their photos snapped with Bouchard, who has been next to unbelievable to start the holiday week.

The claiming box was smoking on Tuesday as well. Eight pacers were taken by new owners who spent $117,500 in adding to their stables.