On Monday afternoon , March 19 then 24 year old Switzer reined four winners on the 12-race card. He won both halves of the early double; first with Whiskey Gal in 1:52.2 and then with Lady On The Attack by 10 lengths in 1:57.
Switzer’s next victory came behind Pembroke Lil in the seventh when he guided the veteran Blissfull Hall mare to a 1:56.4 triumph and then Switzer reined LM Elika to her third straight triumph and despite having to start from the eight-hole. They stopped the clock 1:56.4.
There have been plenty of times when drivers win more than four races on a card but nevertheless having a four-win afternoon is far from the norm and it certainly is enjoyable for those who do it.
After his fourth winner Switzer was contacted in the paddock and asked if he ever won more than four races on a single card before to which he quickly replied,” I won five races (on a card) two times and maybe I can make it three times since I have a good chance in the 11th race today.”
But his personal aspiration alluded him when he got caught on the limb over speedy early fractions and finished fifth with Lucky Angel.
A few weeks ago Switzer acknowledged that he was going to stay here this season and yesterday he reiterated that statement.
“I like it here,” he told the publicity office. “It’s very nice at Monticello and now that I’m picking up catch-drives I feel a lot more comfortable.”
Switzer had big year last season when he reined 310 and from his 1355 drives he finished the year with a .378 UDRS . He was the leading driver at Bangor Raceway and finished as the State of Maine’s leading driver during 2011.
Currently Switzer has 20 wins, 25 seconds and 25 thirds in 136 trips to post and sports a respectable .298 UDR. But if today’s accomplishments are a sign of things to come Switzer will get more than his fair share of winners here this season.
