Tequila Talkin hadn't been to the winner's circle at MGM Northfield Park since early December; that drought ended on Sunday evening (Feb. 18) as the son by Cantab Hall scored a victory in the $24,324 featured Open Handicap Trot.
Winning Ticket (Aaron Merriman), Tequila Talkin (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) and Dont Take My Keys (Ryan Stahl) all powered off the wings early and barrelled into the first turn together, with Tequila Talkin clearing Winning Ticket before a :28.2 opening quarter.
The field remained in straight alignment past the half in :57, with Oberto (Billy Davis Jr.) beginning a bid for the lead first over. That bid was short-lived, however, as he broke stride entering the backstretch.
At three-quarters in 1:25.1, the three original leavers remained up top. Entering the far turn, Stahl tipped Dont Take My Keys briefly to the outside but then elected to save ground around the final turn. Turning for home, Stahl took Dont Take My Keys to the passing lane, and while he closed gamely, he came up a half-length short of Tequila Talkin, who dug in to win in 1:54.3. Winning Ticket completed the top three.
Owned by Burke Racing Stable and Weaver Bruscemi and trained by Michael Burke, the talented nine-year-old pushed his career earnings to $585,022 with his 52nd career win.
Live harness racing resumes on Tuesday, Feb. 20 with a first post of 6 p.m.
(With files from Northfield Park)