Sometimes, it’s better to be lucky than good; on Sunday (Jan. 15), Bernie was both lucky and good, getting the perfect trip to victory in the $18,000 Open Pace at MGM Northfield Park.
Expected leavers Zanetti, Cool Man Dude and Prince Of Tides duelled into the first turn, with Bernie getting away in fifth after leaving from post seven.
Entering the backstretch, Zanetti worked to clear Cool Man Dude and led the field to the quarter in :26.3 for Aaron Merriamn. On the front, Merriman wasn’t able to catch any breathers following a half in :54.3.
Lyons Friends and Prince Of Tides left the pylons to take their shot at the leaders entering the clubhouse turn for the final time. While neither could advance on the two leaders, Cool Man Dude also decided to leave the pylons and take a shot at favourite Zanetti. That allowed driver Ryan Stahl to save ground with Bernie heading to three-quarters in 1:22.1.
Cool Man Dude ended up wavering around the last turn. Before Bernie could get locked in by Rockn Motion, Stahl guided him to the outside, where he rode the wings of an angel to a three-quarter length victory in 1:50.4. Zanetti had to settle for second, Fly Charley Fly closed to be third and Rockn Motion was fourth.
“He just knows when to step up; this week has been difficult with my uncle passing away,” said an emotional Jessica Millner, trainer and co-owner of the seven-year-old Big Jim gelding with the Pod Stable LLC. “He always seems to know when I need him most.”
With the victory, Bernie has earned $449,763 lifetime.
Light Blue Movers, driven by Aaron Merriman, also got a ground-saving trip in the $18,000 Open Handicap Trot to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:53.4.
With a lot of action early in the race, shippers Locatelli and Combs Hanover ended up in the outer flow for most of the mile.
Predator And Prey and Fashion Chocolate were both quickest into stride off the gate. Heading to the quarter, Predator And Prey assumed control of the lead, making it to the first pole in :27.4 with Locatelli in between horses and Combs Hanover caught out three-wide.
Heading to the half in :56.2, Anthony MacDonald tried to clear Predator And Prey, but could not get by the leader. Fashion Chocolate was forced to the outside after Locatelli, who was eventually disqualified from fourth, interfered with Predator And Prey heading into the first turn for the final time.
Fashion Chocolate, being forced off the pylons, allowed Light Blue Movers to come through at the inside heading to three-quarters in 1:24.4. Merriman used the passing lane in the stretch to overtake Predator And Prey. Chasin Dreams finished third. Combs Hanover was elevated to fourth after the disqualification of Locatelli.
Light Blue Movers has won two of three Open races at MGM Northfield Park this year for trainer Bill Rhoades and owner Timothy Poitinger. The talented gelding has earned $146,704 with 15 victories in 64 career starts.
Live racing resumes at MGM Northfield Park on Tuesday with a 6 p.m. (EST) first post. Tuesday is highlighted by the $10,000 guaranteed Late Pick 4 (Race 11) and the $10,000 guaranteed Super High-5, both in partnership with the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program.
(With files from Northfield Park)