Aaron Merriman has more wins this year than any driver in North America. He continued his reign in both of Monday’s features at Northfield Park.
Mythical Hall posted his third consecutive victory in the $12,500 Open Handicap Trot. Andy Rickert trains the six year-old for Mark Jakubik of West Seneca, New York.
Mythical Hall, a son of Andover Hall–Myth, left alertly at the start and was in complete control of his competition. He trotted through fractions of :27.4, :56.3 and 1:25.3 en route to the 1:55.3 decision. He was half a length better than Kirty Dream, with Zorgwijk Heavenly taking home third prize.
Monday’s triumph was the ninth win this year for Mythical Hall. It increased his lifetime win tally to 27 and his earnings to $409,610. He returned $13.00 to win.
The evening’s $12,500 Open Pace was the “Aaron Merriman Show” again, this time aboard Top Of The Mark. Tye Loy trains the winning five year-old for owner Harry Locke of Oshawa, Ontario.
Top Of The Mark, a son of Western Terror-Top Of The Hour, started from post nine and was third through the initial quarter of :26.4. Merriman moved the pacer in the second quarter, and he led past middle panels of :54.4 and 1:22.3 before using a :29-second closing quarter to post the 1:51.3 decision. He won by three-quarters of a length over Hall Of Memories, with Chase The Sun taking home third prize.
Top Of The Mark now has seven wins in 23 starts this year, 25 career successes and a bankroll of $225,045. He was the race favorite and paid $5.00 to win.
(Northfield Park)