Wednesdays have been popular for the U.S. leading dash driver, Aaron Merriman, and Wednesday, Dec. 13 was no different as Merriman put up nine victories on the 15-race program for the second week in a row at MGM Northfield Park.
Merriman, who surpassed Herve Filion for third in all-time wins, has been the U.S. leading driver for eight straight seasons and is working on a ninth with 813 victories this year.
Merriman started the program with Christopher Beaver trainee Accelerate ($2.20), winning in gate-to-wire fashion. Merriman and Beaver have teamed up to have a lot of success throughout the Buckeye State and have formed quite a bond.
Merriman wasn't done yet, winning the next three races with Base Stealer ($3.20), Over And Back ($7.40) and Stabler ($2.10).
One of the more impressive victories on Wednesday was aboard David Russo trainee Tullow N ($5.20). The favourite was parked the mile from post seven and was forced three-deep around the final turn, but Merriman was patient, nailing Lawrence N and Luke Ebersole right on the wire.
Merriman returned two races later, scoring with heavy favourite Ranger Bomb N ($3.80) for trainer Bill Rhoades. Merriman concluded the card just like he started, reeling off three nstraight victories with Lovin On The Beach ($4.40), Passionate Promise ($9.60) and Timeout Fitz ($3).
Live harness racing resumes on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. and will feature Santa Sack Fan Appreciation Night, MGM Northfield Park's biggest giveaway for patrons on track. Northfield currently races on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
(With files from MGM Northfield Park)