Some of the continent's top trotting talent, including some Canadian-connected counterparts, will seek to dethrone reigning champ Marion Marauder in the 2019 Cleveland Trotting Classic, set for Saturday (June 29) at MGM Northfield Park.
Northeast Ohio’s premier trotting race, the Cleveland Trotting Classic, will go to post Saturday, June 29 at MGM Northfield Park. This year's edition—the fifth renewal—carries a purse of $175,000. The Grand Circuit event has again attracted the best veteran trotters in North America for the 12th race on a 16-race program. First-race post time is 6 p.m.
Guardian Angel As drew the rail and has been named the 2-1 morning line favourite by Northfield Park Executive Vice President of Racing and Simulcasting Dave Bianconi. The favoured trotter puts his three-race win streak on the line tries to deny defending champ Marion Marauder’s attempt at defending his title. Trainer Annette Lorentzon will have Yonkers standout Jason Bartlett in the bike.
Marion Marauder drew post 5 and has been named the 7-2 second choice. The six-year-old will try to add onto his $3.1 million bankroll with a repeat victory in the Classic for trainer Paula Wellwood. Marion Marauder, the 2016 Trotting Triple Crown champion, will be handled by Canadian superstar Scott Zeron.
Aged trotting mare Emoticon Hanover—named the O'Brien Aged Trotting Mare of the Year in 2018—will compete against the boys for trainer Luc Blais, owner Determination and WEG driver Jody Jamieson. The world-champion earner of $1.7 million will race from post 3.
Local driving standouts Aaron Merriman and Ronnie Wrenn, Jr. have both received assignments in this year’s field. Wrenn begins from post 6 with Canadian sensation Musical Rhythm, a winner of six consecutive races and almost $700,000 in earnings while Merriman will drive Plunge Blue Chip, with a 1:49.4 lifetime mark and over $1 million in earnings, from post 8.
The 2019 $175,000 Cleveland Trotting Classic field appears below:
Post-Horse-Driver-Trainer-M/L
1-Guardian Angel As-Jason Bartlett-Annette Lorentzon-2/1
2-Weslynn Dancer-Dave Palone-Richard Banca-6/1
3-Emoticon Hanover-Jody Jamieson-Luc Blais-8/1
4-Pinkman-Brett Miller-Per Engblom-4/1
5-Marion Marauder-Scott Zeron-Paula Wellwood-7/2
6-Musical Rhythm-Ronnie Wrenn, Jr.-Benoit Baillargeon-10/1
7-Dayson-Chris Page-Ron Burke-15/1
8-Plunge Blue Chip-Aaron Merriman-Ake Svanstedt-12/1
This year’s Classic program undercard is highlighted by two $50,000 Ohio Sires Stakes divisions for sophomore pacing colts, three $25,000 late closer series finals and two Open events. A $10,000 guaranteed Pick-4 pool begins in race 11. Three of the four races in the guaranteed Pick 4 are comprised of the Opens and the Trotting Classic.
Beginning at 5 p.m. the first 1,000 guests will receive a coupon good for one Northfield Park Ball Cap, one $2 Match Play and one free live program good any Friday evening through Sept. 29. These coupons will be distributed until 9 p.m. or while supplies last to all guests 18 years of age or older, strictly limited to one per person.
In addition to superior racing action, the night will also offer guests a buffet in Lady Luck’s clubhouse dining room. The buffet is $19.95. Reservations are preferred and can be made by calling 330.467.4101.
For those who want to be close to all of the racing action can stop by the grandstand apron for an array of free fanfare activities. Activities include Northeast Ohio’s food trucks from 6-9 p.m. and live music by Time Trax on the outdoor apron from 6-9 p.m. Guests can try their luck at Ball Toss 7–8 p.m. and the Northfield Park Putting Challenge from 8:30–9:30 p.m. where you can win cash and prizes.
Admission and parking are always free at Northfield Park.
(with files from Northfield Park)