Bruce Aldrich Jr. has always been a good driver – even when he had a big stable. Although, since he has given up training to concentrate on driving, he’s been moving up, and fast.

Aldrich reined six winners Tuesday afternoon at Monticello Raceway and has moved to within seven wins of Dave Palone’s 626 driving victories. Palone is currently second in races won in North America, some 48 behind leader Ronnie Wrenn Jr. (Aldrich currently sits third).

Aldrich, a native of Brattleboro, Vt., has now driven 619 winners this season, which is far and away his all-time best.

“I’ve been hot lately but I’ve been lucky to be able drive some live horses and my six wins today follows the six I had when Ronnie Wrenn (Jr.) and I squared off here last Thursday,” Aldrich said.

“Earlier this year my goal was to win 600 for the year, but to my surprise I passed that number last Wednesday before Ronnie (driver Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) and I had our drive-off. In the last six days I’ve won 19 races, and that amazes me when I think about it.”

Aldrich began slowly on Tuesday and didn’t win a dash until Race 6 where he guided Tyler ($5.70) to a 2:01 triumph. He then won the seventh race with Mixed Media ($4.70) in 2:00.4 and Race 8 behind Buckeye Baddler ($6.00) in 2:00.1.

Aldrich then won Race 10 with Upfrontoutthedoor ($9.60) in 2:03.1 and Race 11 with Machin Music ($3.80) in 2:00.2. He capped the afternoon with a 2:03 triumph behind Dontakeyourguns ($5.60).

Aldrich’s 426 seasonal wins at Monticello leads the local driving colony, and he is well on his way to securing his fifth career ‘Mighty M’ driving title.

(With files from Monticello)