While Saulsbrook Genesis had been hitting the board in recent efforts against Open company at MGM Northfield Park, it has been a few weeks since the son of Sunshine Beach had scored a victory. That changed on Sunday (June 25) as he cruised to a comfortable win in the $20,000 co-featured event.
Driver Ronnie Wrenn Jr. was not in a hurry to put him into play though, allowing inside leavers of Elite Machine, Elliot Moose and Bettor Than Spring to sort themselves on the front. Bettor Than Spring cleared before a daunting quarter of :26.1, and while driver Billy Davis Jr. tried to get a breather on the lead, Bettor Than Spring had other ideas getting to the half in :54.4.
With three-eighths of a mile to go, new shooter Caviart Eden began to press the pace with Saulsbrook Genesis on his back. After Wrenn sent Saulsbrook Genesis three-wide, they moved by Bettor Than Spring past three-quarters in 1:22.3. Turning for home, Saulsbrook Genesis kicked clear to win by 5-1/4 lengths in 1:49.3.
Owned by No Recall Stable and trained by Ron Burke, the Nova Scotia bred son of Sunshine Beach pushed his earnings to $229,699.
In the co-featured $20,000 Open Trot, Rose Run Xtra and Wrenn made a mid-race move winning easily in 1:53.4.
Winning Shadow tried to leave with Flemsteen into the first turn, but Winning Shadow sat parked, forcing him to take back into the first turn. Entering the backstretch for the first time, Flemsteen, Rose Run Xtra and Wadadli all battled for early contention with Flemsteen finally clearing at the quarter in :27.4. Rose Run Xtra was sent to the outside by Wrenn entering the far turn and cleared before the half in :56.4.
Into the backstretch for the final time, Eye Ofa Tiger As was put into play, and while making up ground on the leader, opted into the pocket at three-quarters in 1:25.2. Eye Ofa Tiger As then came outside but had nothing for Rose Run Xtra, who drew off to win by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:53.4. Winning Shadow rallied to be second, while Eye Ofa Tiger As finished third.
Also trained by Burke, the four-year-old son of Cash Hall is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Hatfield Stables, Knox Services Inc., and Jason Melillo.
Live harness racing resumes on Monday evening at 6 p.m. (EDT). MGM Northfield Park currently races on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Wednesday.
(With files from Northfield Park)