by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — There’s an old adage that states that ‘there are horses for courses’ and never has that been more accurate then when it concerns Tracys Song and Monticello Raceway.

On Monday (July 1), the 8-year-old pacing mare notched her 20th season’s victory here at the Mighty M when Bruce Aldrich, Jr. drove her to a 1:57.3 victory over Rusty’s Flying and driver Jimmy Marohn, Jr.

Geri Schwarz photo

Tracys Song posted her 20th win of the year on Monday.

Now with 20 season’s triumphs, not only does Tracys Song lead North America in races won this year but in the process she erased the Monticello Raceway track record of 15 wins in a row when on May 20 she scored her 16th consecutive. And Tracy Song garnered two more consecutive victories to have all others forever chase a mark of 18 wins in a row.

Although the trainer-driver combo of Bob Lounsbury and Bruce Aldrich, Jr. has been nearly lethal this season, when Tracys Song won her contest on Monday afternoon even Aldrich was amazed.

“Jimmy (Marohn, Jr. with Rusty’s Flying) sat on my back the entire way and when he pulled his horse out at the top of the stretch they had a head of steam and I thought they were going right by us, but Tracy dug in and wouldn’t let Jimmy’s horse beat her,” Aldrich said. “She just refused to lose.”

When the race started Aldrich once again sent Tracys Song for the lead but Marohn had other ideas and he hustled Rusty’s Flying away from the gate and they had command on the first turn.

However, as the duo straightened up the backside Marohn grabbed leather and allowed Aldrich to take command as the first panel timer flashed :27.4. Aldrich was able to give his mare a breather and they got by the half in :58.4.

From there a race really ensued with Tracys Song on the lead and Rusty’s Flying’s nose on Aldrich’s back.

When they turned the corner and headed for home it appeared that Rusty’s Flying was going to go by Tracys Song but the mare dug in and refused to let Rusty’s Flying beat her.

At the wire Tracys Song had a neck victory over Rusty’s Flying. Some four lengths behind was the third place finisher, Jordan’s Jewel with Jacques Primeau driving.

“With all the races she’s had this year she’s not as quick off the gate as she was earlier and I had to use her hard to get the lead,” Aldrich added. “Tracy really put in a gutsy performance and she seems to find ways to win when it’s not even her day.”

Owned by Nancy Fugere, Tracys Song was sent off at odds of 2-5 and paid $2.80 for win.

Now with 20 wins in 22 starts, the next milestone for Tracys Song to challenge is ownership of the Mighty M record of 22 for most wins in a single season set in 1985 by a pacer named Golden Storm GB.