by Shawn F. Wiles, for Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Story Book extended his winning streak to nine on Tuesday (Feb. 24) at Monticello Raceway.

Geri Schwarz photo

Story Book extended his winning streak to nine on Tuesday at Monticello Raceway.

The betting favorite left hard from the rail and took the lead in the first turn. Astor, driven by Jason Ryan, gained the lead at the quarter pole in :29 and continued to show the way past the half in :58.2. At the three-quarter pole BB Smash started his move on the outside and at the top of the lane he made a bold three-wide move.

Astor still had the lead at the top of the stretch, but when the passing lane opened up, driver Larry Stalbaum tipped Story Book to the inside and the diminutive son of American Ideal easily withstood the challenge of Astor to prevail by a length in 1:58.4.

It was Stalbaum’s second win of the afternoon.

Also on the afternoon leading dash winning driver Bruce Aldrich Jr. won three and Jim Taggart Jr. bagged two wins.