For the second week in a row, the trotters racing over the home of the "Flying Turns" did just that. On Sunday (May 14), trainer Chris Beaver made his presence felt, tying a world-record performance from last week with Winning Ticket and setting a track and world-record record with Caviar Gold.
In the $20,000 Open Trot, Big Bad Caviar, Tequila Talkin and Eye Ofa Tiger As all battled into the first turn, with Big Bad Caviar making the lead midway through the first turn. Tequila Talkin took the lead just before the quarter in :27.4. He led the field in straight alignment to the half in :56.2, with Winning Ticket and Eye Ofa Tiger As beginning their bids.
Winning Ticket was put on the lead, clearing into the backstretch for the final time, and driver Aaron Merriman stepped on the gas, going to three-quarters in 1:23.2. Through the stretch, Winning Ticket held off a late bid from Tequila Talkin, winning decisively in a world-record-tying 1:52. Eye Ofa Tiger As was 3-1/4 lengths off the lead, finishing third.
Owned by trainer Chris Beaver, Steven Zeehandelar, Tim Homan and Jim Burnett, Winning Ticket, a five-year-old son by Triumphant Caviar, increased his earnings to $602,864.
Beaver wasn't done setting world records on Sunday, scoring a convincing win in a conditioned trot later in the evening with Caviar Gold.
Leaving alertly from post seven, once Aaron Merriman made the lead with Caviar Gold, he never looked back. He set fractions of :27.1, :56.3 and 1:24.2 before powering home to a six-length victory and stopping the timer in 1:52.1.
The previous world record for four-year-old trotting geldings was held by Amigo Volo, who trotted a 1:52.4 mile at Yonkers Raceway in December 2021.
Owned by trainer Chris Beaver, Bill Manes, Leo Fleming and Steven Zeehandelar, Caviar Gold made it two world-record performances for sire Triumphant Caviar.
In the co-featured $20,000 Open Pace, Speedy Dominic A produced a monumental upset taking down favourites Saulsbrook Genesis and Bernie.
As usual on Sunday evening, there were few leavers, but that didn't stop One Last Laugh from being put on the lead early. At the quarter in :26, Almanac was able to power past and clear the early leader. Saulsbrook Genesis soon came to the outside and the heavy favourite then matched strides with Almanac through a half in a contested :54.1.
With three-eighths of a mile to pace, it appeared Saulsbrook Genesis had enough of his competition but stayed in gear with the leader at three-quarters in 1:21.2. The pair continued to trade punches through the final turn, with Speedy Dominic A taking advantage and moving right on by to win by a head in 1:50.2.
Owend by Kapidelo Sign, Earl Hill Jr., and VIP Internet Stable, Speedy Dominic A, son of American Ideal, now has $274,782 in career earnings, winning 25 of them. Luke Ebersole steered the winner.
Live harness racing resumes on Tuesday evening (May 16) at 6 p.m. (EDT).
(Northfield Park)