A set of $12,500 Open events were contested Monday evening at Northfield Park, with The Northern Dude and Major Belle taking home top honours in their respective events.

The Northern Dude was a repeat winner of the $12,500 Open Trot for Curran Racing LLC of Red Hook, New York. Trainer Jessica Millner enlisted the driving services of North America’s leading driver Aaron Merriman.

The Northern Dude (Ken Warkentin–LR Alleys Concern) left alertly from post seven and led his competition at every call. He set fractions of :27.3, :57 and 1:25.4 before using a :31-second kicker to win in 1:56.4. He was a length better than Mythical Hall, with Mama Made Me Blue taking home third prize.

Monday’s victory represents the third consecutive win for The Northern Dude, who now has seven wins in 26 starts this year, 15 career successes and a bankroll of $177,030. He was the heavy favourite and paid $3.60 to win.

Major Belle was impressive in winning the evening’s $12,500 Open Pace. Ron Burke trains the six-year-old for Pennsylvania owners Burke Racing Stable LLC and Weaver Bruscemi LLC and New York connections of Cynthia Massari and Joseph Di Scala, Jr. Chris Page was aboard for the winning drive.

Major Belle (Art Major–Meghans Belle) started from the far outside and was content in the back of the pack while his competition carved stiff fractions of :26.3 and :54.4. Major Belle had moved into third at the 1:23.2 three-quarter pole and took the lead in the stretch and besting his competition by two lengths in 1:53.2. Real Future was next best, with Top Of The Mark taking home the show dough.

Monday’s triumph was the seventh win in 28 starts this year for Major Belle. It increased his lifetime win tally to 22 and his earnings to $362,229. He returned $15.40 to win.

(Northfield Park)