Jebswesternshake was the winner of $9,500 Open Pace in Northfield Park’s third race on Monday (February 3).
Staci Malady of Rives Junction, Michigan owns the nine-year-old pacer. Trainer Gerald Malady called upon Northfield Park leading driver Josh Sutton to pilot.
Jebswesternshake (Western Hanover-Shake Away, by Dream Away) started from the rail and led at every call through blistering fractions of :27, :55.1 and 1:23.1 before getting the job done in 1:52.1. Jebswesternshake easily handled his competition and was four and a quarter lengths in front at the wire. Completing the race were Hall Of Memories, Brown Titan, PL Dragon, Nathan Feelsgood, Bestinthebusiness and Save Me A Place.
Monday’s triumph increased Jebswesternshake’s lifetime win tally to 35 and his career earnings to $187,974. He returned $9.80 to win.
In the evening’s eighth race, Classical Man captured the $10,000 Open Trot for owner/trainer William Bercury of Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. Aaron Merriman picked up the winning drive aboard the 13 year-old gelding.
Classical Man (Malabar Man-Classical Motion, by Crowning Point) started from Post 7 and sat the pocket through fractions of :28.1, :57.4 and 1:26.3. Merriman drove Classical Man into the passing lane and bested his competition by a neck, stopping the clock in 1:55.2. Completing the race were Victory Is Coming, Pembroke Snapshot, Zorgwijk Heavenly, Easy Strength, Bookem and Sand Royal Blu. Diamond Hunter was scratched.
Classical Man now has 41 career successes. Monday’s victory pushed his bankroll to $624,073. He was an upset winner, paying $41.20 to win.
(Northfield)