JL Cruze returned to his winning ways, capturing the Winners Over/Select Handicap Trot at Bally's Dover on Tuesday evening.
Art Stafford Jr. and the 12-year-old gelded son of Craze were on a mission, rocketing off the gate to secure the pocket behind Northern Express. Just past the :26.3 opening quarter, JL Cruze rushed to the lead. Under a full head of steam, JL Cruze passed the half in :56. Embrace The Grind pulled from the rail to challenge Stafford and JL Cruze at the three-quarters in 1:24.4. However, the 5-2 bettors' favourite did not disappoint as JL Cruze dominated in the stretch to win by two lengths in 1:55 against the wind. He paid $7 to win. Northern Express (Russell Foster) finished second and Embrace The Grind (Montrell Teague) was third.
JL Cruze is owned by Kenneth Wood, Bill Dittmar Jr., and Stephen Iaquinta. Eric Ell trains the winner.
Stafford and Foster each earned three wins on the 14 race card.
Majorca N takes on Incaseyoudidntknow in the $25,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace at Bally's Dover on Wednesday. First post is 4:30 p.m.
(With files from Bally's Dover)