On Wednesday, November 10 at Monticello Raceway, Northern Chief notched his 12th consecutive victory over the 'Mighty M' oval, thus extending his track record for most consecutive wins at the Sullivan County, NY track

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Mike Merton was again in the racebike when the veteran pacer rambled to the two-length triumph in a 1:59.

In his three previous victories, Northern Chief had started from outside post positions -- once from Post 7 and twice from Post 8 -- but this afternoon the pacer left from Post 1. Merton skillfully guided him through the fractions (:29:2, 1:00:2, 1:29:4) before drawing away from Optimist and driver Brad Kramer who shadowed them the entire mile.

“When we passed the half I knew we were a winner,” Merton explained.

When asked if he had planned to race on the front-end, Merton said, “We won from the back in his last three starts, so I had no worries about putting the 'old guy' on the lead. He certainly knows where the winners circle is.”

The win today was the 13th from 20 seasonal starts for Northern Chief, who races without an overcheck.

Owned by Bobby Merton, Jr. and Al Desimone, the Gary Messenger-trained seven-year-old returned $2.30 on a Win wager.

(Monticello)

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