With drivers Jim Devaux and Greg Merton opting to race at Saratoga Casino Hotel, which opened their 2020 meeting this weekend, Bruce Aldrich Jr. took advantage of their absences and scored five winners on Monday afternoon (Feb. 17) at Monticello Raceway.

Aldrich won the first three races on the program. In the opener, he teamed with the Rick Dane Jr. trainee Ladybeluckytonite ($3.00), who scored in 1:48.3 for her second win of the young season. In the second, Jasmin Ivory ($19.00) overcame the outside post 7 to win a tight photo over The Filly Princess in 2:00.1 for trainer Raheim Strong. Aldrich capped his natural hat trick with Demand An Answer, who scored a wire-to-wire 2:01.1 win for trainer Laura Perino.

Aldrich and Perino teamed up again in the fifth race with Lily Hanover ($4.40), while Bob Lounsbury trainee Storyboard ($19.80) capped Aldrich's five-bagger with a 1:57.2 win.

This marks the third time this season that Aldrich has drive at least four winners on an afternoon. His five wins propel him to first place in the Monticello driving standings with 39, overtaking Devaux's 35.