Flemsteen, Almanac Take Northfield Opens

Published: June 4, 2023 11:07 pm EDT

While no records were set this Sunday (June 4) at MGM Northfield Park, Flemsteen did manage to find his way back to the winner's circle, repeating in the $20,000 Open Trot.

With the field only comprising six rivals, the outer three pushed the gate away, battling for the lead. Winning Shadow (Chris Lems) tried different tactics this week, making the lead into the first turn, duelling with Rose Run Xtra (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) and Flemsteen (Aaron Merriman), who was hung three-high. 

Rose Run Xtra finally cleared Winning Shadow for the lead before the quarter but was met with immediate resistance in the form of Flemsteen, who joined him on the outside. The pair tussled past the quarter in :27.3 with Flemsteen finally clearing.  

No one took a shot at the leader heading to the half in :56 and it wasn't until the backstretch when Winning Shadow went to the outside with Son Of Sona following his every move. At three-quarters in 1:24.4, Winning Shadow worked past Flemsteen but Merriman asked his charge for a little more and he drew off to win by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:53.1.

Owned by the partnership of trainer Christopher Beaver, Bill Manes and RBH Ventures Inc, Flemsteen -- a son of Explosive Matter -- pushed his earnings to $379,055. 

In the co-featured $20,000 Open Pace, Almanac earned a 1:50.2 victory after just missing in weeks prior.

Camoflage Money (Hunter Myers) worked hard to defend the pylon position as the field moved into the turn for the first time, but Almanac (Billy Davis Jr.) had something to say about that, working past the leader at the quarter in :26.4. The pace began to quicken at the half in :55.2, with Risenshine Seaside (Wrenn), Carolina Beach (Merriman) and Rockn Motion (Lems) beginning their bid on the outside.  

Davis Jr. wouldn't give his foes a chance to catch Almanac as he stepped on the gas at three-quarters in 1:22.1. Turning for home, there was no doubt about who the winner would be as Almanac drew off to win by two lengths.

Owned by Melvin Fink, Almanac -- a son of A Rocknroll Dance -- pushed his earnings to $219,708 with now 17 victories to his credit.

Northfield Park reminds guests that the Home of the Flying Turns will pick up Mondays beginning June 5.

With the addition of Mondays to the live racing schedule, Tuesdays will now be dark. MGM Northfield Park will race on a Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday schedule with a first post of 6 p.m.

The 50-cent Pick-6 went unclaimed again on Sunday and the low 14 per cent takeout bet that begins in race eight features a carryover of $2,535 -- the pool figures to have upwards of $10,000 in it on Monday evening.

(With files from Northfield Park)

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