In what turned out to be one of the fastest miles ever
trotted at Monticello Raceway On The Podium rambled to a 1:56.2 triumph winning
the featured race on Wednesday afternoon, (Sept. 17). That mark erased the
former standard of 1:57 co-owned by Cornishman N in 2011 and Rompaway Alan in
2013.
Bruce Aldrich, Jr. drove the winner for trainer Jose Godinez
and strangely it was On The Podium’s first seasonal victory in 22 starts
although the Donato Hanover 5-year-old gelding had five seconds and three
thirds which previously earned owners Blindswitch Racing and Anthony
Nicometo nearly $30,00 this year.
On The Podium’s new standard followed a 1:54.1 new track
record for 4 year old pacing gelding set just the previous afternoon by Twin B
Famous and driver Mike Merton .
However, On The Podium’s surprise track record was
unexpected as all eyes were on Rose Run Nash (Jimmy Marohn,Jr.) who was
seeking his 19th seasonal victory and was sent off as the betting
favorite in the race and after finishing fourth Rose Run Nash will have
to wait for another day to extend his North American leading 18 wins.
The 1:56.2 track record by On The Podium was even more
amazing that it came in a six-horse field but it was set-up by the early speedy
fractions (:28, :57.4, 1:26.3) driver Mike Merton set with Scottish Cross.
On The Podium started from the three hole and after settling
in along the pylons he was the first to move when the field approached the
halfway point.
By the third panel Aldrich’s trotter was nose-to-nose with
Scottish Cross and on the final turn they opened-up daylight and had three
lengths on the field. As they headed for home the margin was extended to
eight lengths when they crossed the wire.
Scottish Cross was collared by I’m Fabulous (Jimmy Taggart,
Jr.) who came from way back finish second a nose ahead of Scottish Cross
in third
place.
Even-money favorite, Rose Run Nash, came into the contest
off two consecutive 1:57.4 victories but never got unwound and
finished fourth nine lengths, behind the winner.
The victory was one of three on the card for Bruce Aldrich,
Jr. who was elated after his track record triumph with On The Podium.
“Last week we fell short by a head and finished second to
Rose Run Nash and with him on the rail (pole position) I figured he’d be tough
to beat in here,” Aldrich acknowledged.
“I knew my horse had lots of trot when he warmed up good
today but I never expected he’d set a track record. What a nice surprise.”
