But 2013 is the year that Aldrich broke out. He is now among
the leaders in races won this year and his 258 wins is seventh best
on the North American leaderboard.
Aldrich added to his totals yesterday ( June 20)when he
reined four winners on the afternoon card at Monticello Raceway where he leads
all reinsmen with 182 driving victories.
His first win on the Thursday card came in race three when
he guided Elisha Lafreniere’s veteran pacer Armbro Durable($3.30) home
first in a 1:56.4 mile. He then won the next race with Al Annunzuiata’s
trotter, Distinct Victory($13.20) in 2:00.4.
Win number three came behind Jim Ray’s trotting mare Tameka
Seelster ($7.10) in a time of 2:01.2 and Aldrich capped his afternoon
with a seven-length romp with Standardbred Ventures trotting mare, Motown
Dreamgirl ($7.70) in a seasonal best, 1:59.4.
“For the first time in my career I’m trying to drive at two
different racetracks this year,” Aldrich said. “In the past I’ve always
raced at one place, mainly Monticello Raceway, because I always carried a
large stable of horses.
“Last year I moved to the Saratoga area and pretty much have
given up on a big stable. This year I basically have been basically
concentrating on driving at both Monticello and Saratoga (Raceways). And let me
tell you when I have to race at both tracks on the same day I’m hoppin’ because
Saratoga and Monticello are some 150 miles apart and it’s no easy trip.”
According to Aldrich it’s all been worthwhile since he’s en
route to driving the most winners ever in a single season since he began
his driving career some 25 years ago. His previous best output was
451 wins which he mostly recorded at Monticello Raceway during the
2010 season.
He was asked why he decided to try to drive at the two
different racetracks this season.
“I spent all of last year at Saratoga (Raceway) where
I won almost 290 races and got to drive for some of the top trainers there. I’m
currently second in wins (74) there so far this year.
“ But I really made up my mind to try to race at both tracks
when I got off to a real good start during this past winter at Monticello
before Saratoga’s season got underway . I guess I’m a lucky guy, too, because
I’m getting a chance to drive for top trainers at both
racetracks,” Aldrich said.
