“Old man” rises again for Open upset

JL Cruze (Crazed) and harness racing driver Art Stafford, Jr. won the $25,000 Open Handicap Trot at Bally’s Dover on Tuesday night (March 21) with an upset score at odds of 11-1.

Just when you thought JL Cruze’s career was over, due to lackluster performances lately, the old man rose to the occasion with a gutsy win.

The 7/5 betting favorite, Yall Beneath Me left from post seven and was parked to the quarter by Northern Express in :26.4.  Yall Beneath Me led the field in single file to the half in :55.4, a :29 flat quarter.

The backfield was in motion as JL Cruze braved a first over charge from third at the 5/8ths marker. Yall Beneath Me began to weaken on the lead. Muscle Dynasty (Corey Callahan) followed second over and Northern Express shadowed third over.

JL Cruze cleared for the lead at the three quarters in 1:24.1 and then at the top of the stretch the 12-year-old held a brief lead as Muscle Dynasty, who had won three straight, was closing fast.

It set up a classic stretch duel between the old man JL Cruze and the young gun Muscle Dynasty.  JL Cruze dug down deep and called upon his back class, winning the race by a nose, in 1:53.1.

JL CRUZE REPLAY

JL Cruze is owned by W. Kenneth Wood, William Dittmar Jr and Stephen Iaquinta. He is trained by Eric Ell and paid $24.60 to win.

Muscle Dynasty was second for trainer Shea Lare. Northern Express finished third for trainer Arty Foster Jr.  Russell Foster drove.

Racing continues on Wednesday at Bally’s Dover.  Post Time is 4:30 pm.

For complete race results, click here.

by Alex Kraszewski, for Bally’s Dover