by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Tracys Song has posted 21 victories this year at Monticello Raceway, but the one she scored on Monday (July 15) was the toughest and most impressive thus far.

After Jimmy Taggart, Jr. and KJ Anita parked Tracys Song and Bruce Aldrich, Jr. past the quarter in a stifling :27, Aldrich and his mare got away with a 1:00.1 middle half even though Taggart had KJ Anita extremely tight on his back throughout.

Geri Schwarz photo

Tracys Song was a winner for the 21st time in 2013.

On the final turn, as they have done so many times before, Aldrich asked Tracys Song for more and again she responded by opening up two lengths which, however, were quickly diminished as the two pacers turned for home.

“Jimmy’s mare actually headed us halfway down the stretch but Tracy came back and refused to lose,” Aldrich said after Tracys Song scored her 21st victory by just a head in her seasonal best time of 1:56.2. “Talk about horses for courses — seems like Tracy was made for Monticello Raceway.”

With her victory Tracys Song continues to lead North America in races won, three more than runner-up Haroun Hanover, another Monticello-based pacer.

After conquering the track record of 15 consecutive wins on May 20, Tracys Song is now eyeing the track record of 22 wins in a single season which was established in 1985 by Golden Storm GB.

Tracys Song is trained by Bob Lounsbury for owner Nancy Fugere. She paid $2.70 and $2.10 and there was no show wagering.

At the end of the racing program, when announcer Howard Oil was giving the wrap-up, he said, “It was the Billy Parker-Jimmy Taggart show today,” referring to the drivers who each won four races on the afternoon card.

The four driving victories by the aforementioned reinsmen are helping to near milestones for both. With his victories Parker now needs just two more to crack the 11,000 career win plateau and Taggart’s four wins now leaves him just 10 short of 3,000 career winners.

Parker had two triumphs for trainer Ron Coauette — New Manhattan ($16.60) in 1:57 and Get Ready To Rhumba ($3.70) in 1:57.1. He also won with Driving In Style ($6.20) in 1:56.4 for trainer Scott Blackler and with the Gary Messenger-trained trotter Sin To Win ($5.10) in 2:00.

Taggart on the other hand won three races for Messenger. He scored behind trotter Benn’s Starlet ($4.50) in 1:59.4 and pacers Mary Lou ($9.80) in 1:58.1 and Winsmith Molly ($2.90) in 1:57.3. Taggart’s fourth winner on the program was with trotter Strongbow ($7.60) in 2:00.2 for trainer Terry Beck.