“He just might be one of the best we’ve had. If he keeps improving like he has, you never know.”
With wins already in the Super Bowl and Charles Singer Memorial, JL Cruze begins his quest for a third straight winter series win Friday (March 13) in the opening round of the Shiaway St. Pat, honouring the 1981 Hambletonian champion, at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment.
Thirteen trotters were entered for Friday’s first round. JL Cruze is the 6/5 morning line favourite in the second of two divisions, which will go as the twelfth race on the 13-race card. The thirteenth race features a $161,277 carryover in the Jackpot Super High 5.
JL Cruze was purchased for $37,000 at last fall’s Harrisburg Mixed Sale by Mid-Atlantic based trainer Eric Ell for owners Kenneth Wood, Bill Dittmar, Jr., and Stephen Iaquinta. In the 10 starts with Ell, JL Cruze has earned $87,760 with seven wins and two runner-up finishes.
“Originally, we just wanted a horse to race up through his conditions in Delaware, but he has been a blessing in disguise,” explained Ell. “He just does it so easily and it looks like he’s the one to beat again heading into this series.”
The 55-year-old Ell has trained more than 1,100 winners with more than $14 million in earnings during his career. Always humble and gracious, Ell admits he has had many solid racehorses during his career. He describes his biggest win as the 2011 Maxie Lee at Harrah’s Philadelphia with Anders Bluestone, who would go on to earn more than $1 million.
Hall of Famer John Campbell will take his usual seat behind JL Cruze on Friday.
Ell will also be represented in the Shiaway St. Pat with another exciting prospect; Razor Ramone brings a five-race winning streak into the first division and will be driven Friday for the first time by Hall of Famer David Miller. Ell purchased the son of Kadabra out of Canada last September. Like JL Cruze, he’s owned by Iaquinta and Dittmar.
“He can trot a lot, but not quite like JL Cruze yet,” said Ell. “He’s good on a five-eighths mile track, but I’m not sure if the big track at the Meadowlands will help. He’s a stocky built, ‘Mighty Mouse’ type of horse. His qualifier last week was a good tightener and we’re looking forward to seeing how he races on Friday.”
To view entries fror Friday's card at The Meadowlands, click the following link: Friday Entries - Meadowlands Racetrack.
(Meadowlands)