James Devaux rounded out a productive week at Monticello Raceway on Thursday; for the second time in a week, he drove five winners on a card and boosted his win tally for the past seven days to 13.
Cant It Be Me started off the five-bagger for Devaux in the third race. Starting from the nine-hole, he got away fourth and was parked from the half to past the three-quarter pole before winning by a scant head in 1:59.1 for leading trainer Dolores Basilone.
In the next race, he scored a wire-to-wire victory with Lone Valley Sam for New Berlin, New York trainer Steven Ray.
In race seven, the out of town invader, Mccito, took no prisoners to win by 11 lengths in 1:57.3, the fastest mile of the day. The five-year-old son of McArdle was recently racing at Miami Valley for trainer Al Annunziat.
Monticello Raceway newcomer Marta Piotrow has been turning heads recently with a respectable UDRS of .256, with three wins in eight starts. She is part owner with Anthony Napolitano of Winback Prince (post five), who gave Devuax his fourth win of the afternoon.
In race 10, Devaux survived a little scare when Troon put in some extra steps and briefly went off stride in deep stretch. But he regained his composure and gait to track down pacesetter Intheperfectstorm for the 1:59.1 win.
Mike Merton and John Desimone Jr. each drove two winners on the afternoon card.
Monticello Raceway is dark on Presidents Day, Monday, Feb. 20. Live racing resumes on Tuesday with a 12:25 p.m. post time.
(With files from Monticello Raceway)