Marion Marauder trotted home a winner in the $175,000 Cleveland Trotting Classic, dethroning last year’s champion Crazy Wow, on Saturday, June 30 and continues his march through the national trotting ranks.

The 2016 trotting Triple Crown Champion, Marion Marauder entered the Classic off a 1:55.1 victory in a $44,000 Open Handicap at Yonkers Raceway despite being parked the entire mile. He again had to take a considerable amount of air to grind out a first-over victory in the Grand Circuit event.

Marion Marauder ($2.20) was heavily favoured by the betting public and started from post two. He sat third through the: 27.4 opening quarter. Driver Jordan Stratton pulled Marion Marauder first-over in the second turn and remained parked the remainder of the mile despite the leader, Crazy Wow, going off stride at the half.

“I’m not sure what happened to Crazy Wow. That sure was an uncharacteristic break,” said Stratton. “But it sure worked out for me.”

In Secret, who sat the pocket through the opening quarter, battled with Marion Marauder through fractions of: 56.2 and 1:23.4 before weakening at the top of the stretch.

“I was a little worried about In Secret,” Stratton said. “I have seen him race several times and know he is a tough horse. But Marion Marauder just trotted through and overcame tonight.”

Marion Marauder took the lead at the top of the stretch and bested his competition by one-and-three-quarter lengths.

Saturday marked the second time Jordan Stratton traveled to his native state of Ohio this month. On June 2, he piloted Bit Of A Legend to victory in Northfield’s $200,000 Battle Of Lake Erie.

Saturday’s win is Marion Marauder’s third win this year and 17th score lifetime, increasing his bankroll to more than $2.84 million for owners Marion Jean Wellwood, Devin Keeling and trainer Paula Wellwood.

Completing the Classic field were I Know My Chip, In Secret, Dia Monde, Another Breath and Crazy Wow.

The Trotting Classic was scratched down to a field of six, with Homicide Hunter and Will Take Charge withdrawing from the race due to illness.

(With files from Northfield Park)