Monday, April 22 at Monticello Raceway was a big day for both Tracys Song and driver Bruce Aldrich Jr.
In the last race on the card, Tracys Song cruised to her 13th consecutive victory in a time of 1:57.2, and with that triumph she continues to lead North America in races won (13) this season. And for Aldrich, Tracys Song was one of six winners that he reined on the 11-race program.
Prior to the dash, the mare’s trainer, Bob Lounsbury, had said unequivocally that Tracys Song would win her 13th consecutive race on Monday. Lounsbury took some ribbing over the comment, but in the end he was correct.
“After last week’s easy, six-length victory there was no doubt in my mind that she (Tracys Song) would beat this field (on Monday) from the pole (Post 1) when she won last week against the same company from the eight-hole,” Lounsbury said in the winner’s circle afterward.
“And again she did it easily. Makes me think we now have a shot at the track's all-time record of 15 wins in a row.
When the race began, Aldrich sent Tracys Song to lead. The pair led the way to the quarter pole with Get Ready To Rhumba and driver Greg Merton tight on Aldrich’s back. After the timer flashed up :29, Tracys Song and Get Ready To Rhumba raced one-two until the final turn. It was at that point when Tracys Song began to draw away and she cruised to a three-length triumph. Temptation Queen was third for driver Zeke Parker.
In the winner's circle, and even before that, when Aldrich and Tracys Song were heading for the finish line, Aldrich knew it was all over. He waved to the crowd and then gave a 'thumbs up' as Tracys Song paced to victory.
“I hardly ever do anything like that, but I was just so happy today,” Aldrich said, referring to waving to the camera. “You know, how many times does a guy drive six winners on a card and get to drive a horse to her 13th win in a row? And that Tracys Song leads the nation (actually North America) in wins this year makes it even more extra special.”
Owned by Nancy Fugere of Westbrookville, Tracys Song returned $2.30 on a successful Win wager.
The eight-year-old daughter of Astreos now currently has the record of most consecutive victories by a mare at Monticello. She now needs only two more wins to equal the all-time track record of 15 in a row, set by Northern Chief and driver Mike Merton back in 2010.
Tracys Song was the last of the six winners that Aldrich drove on the afternoon card. He won Race 2 with NF Beach Candy and then won Race 6 with Red Eyed Blue Chip.
Aldrich capped the day by winning the last four races on the card.
(With files from Monticello)