Bartlett steers On The Brink to Mighty M win

Last year Jason Bartlett won 27 of 66 races--mostly New York Sire Stakes--at Monticello Raceway, and now he's back and obviously prepping for the upcoming meet at Yonkers Raceway. On Tuesday afternoon's card at the Mighty M, Bartlett reined On The Brink to a 1:57.1 victory in the weekly winners-over pace.

 

Sent off at odds of 2-5 from the three hole, On The Brink got away slowly and was sixth at the quarter in :28. A move at the three-eighths by Bartlett put On The Brink in contention third on the outside as the field passed the halfway point. Then, with a bust of speed, the Dream Away gelding sped by Brad Kramer and Jazzy Jeff, who were cutting the fractions and gained control at the three quarters in 1:27.3.

 

But Bartlett had to work some magic to get On The Brink home first when Brandon Simpson and Artmendous ranged alongside on the final turn. From there a proverbial stretch duel ensued and the two pacers raced head to head to the finish, with On The Brink and Bartlett holding on for the neck victory. Master of Waters and Jimmy Taggart Jr. rallied for the show dough.

 

On The Brink, a $154,000 earner last year, won his first seasonal start. Trained by Scott Blackler for Paganelli Stable, Lightning 5 Racing, Daddano Stable and J. Maclean, the winner returned just $2.40 for win.

 

Bruce Aldrich Jr. picked up where he left off last season reining five winners on both the Monday and Tuesday cards. One of Aldrich’s victories on Tuesday was with his own 8-year-old On The Attack mare, Blue Creek Angie, who notched her seventh consecutive triumph with a 1:57.4 clocking by five lengths  over Shark Shuffle and Kevin Hough.

 

Blue Creek Angie, who hasn’t lost a race since Oct. 27, paid $2.50 for win. (Monticello)