by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Missing a week and having to start from the eight hole was in no way a detriment to Tracys Song.

The 8-year-old Astreos mare cruised to her 12th consecutive victory, this one in a time of 1:57.4, at Monticello Raceway on Monday (April 15). She now takes sole command as the winningest horse in North America.

Once again Bruce Aldrich, Jr. was at the controls and he used his wisdom on the racetrack to deter defeat.

Geri Schwarz photo

Tracys Song poured on a :28.3 final quarter en route to her 1:57.4 triumph.

“I could see the way they all left out of there that they were trying to get my mare beat and I can’t say I blame them,” Aldrich said in the winner’s circle when he came back to be photographed. “ She’s been a monster this year and if I was driving against her I’d probably have done the same.”

But Aldrich saw what was developing when five others sped away at the start so he ducked in the four hole on the first turn and coasted along with cover for a while Dolly Little Angel and driver Pat Beeler showed the way by the first stanza in :28.4 keeping The Filly Princess (Mike Merton) on the limb.

Heading for the halfway point Aldrich moved Tracys Song out behind The Filly Princess, who had yet to see the pylons, as Dolly Little Angel continued to lead the field to a :59 first half.

When they straightened in the backstretch the second time around Aldrich eased Tracys Song out three-deep and she zoomed to the lead as the three-quarters flashed in 1:29.1.

From there the only thing in doubt was how much Tracys Song would win by. She passed under the finish line some six lengths ahead of Seeyouonthebeach and driver Zeke Parker in a 1:57.4 clocking.

“I was easing her up near the finish,” Aldrich added. “I can’t believe that Bob (Lounsbury-the trainer) can keep her this sharp after how hard she has been racing this year. There’s no doubt that her time in the paddock last week did her a world of good.”

Owned by Nancy Fugere and trained by Bob Lounsbury, Tracys Song paid $3.70, $2.70 and $2.50.

With every consecutive victory, Tracys Song adds to her Mighty M track record for mares but on the horizon is the overall mark of 15 wins in a row set by Northern Chief and driver Mike Merton back in 2010.

Not to be overlooked was Aldrich’s five winning drives on the Monday afternoon card. Currently his 108 wins is 23 more than runner-up Jimmy Marohn, Jr.’s 85.