JL Cruze digs down deep in feature

JL Cruze (Crazed) proved that you’re never too old to have fun.

The 12-year-old harness racing trotter proved that on Tuesday night, Jan. 10.

JL Cruze won back-to-back starts in the $18,000 winners over/ Select Trot at Bally’s Dover.

It was a three-way sprint, for early race position between JL Cruze, Northern Express and Highland Mowgli trotting towards the quarter pole.  Just as he did last week, JL Cruze and driver Art Stafford, Jr., won the early battle and the war.  Northern Express found the pocket and Highland Mowgli settled into third.

JL Cruze marched to the quarter in a rapid :27.1 opener. The half was reached in :56.1 (29).

Highland Mowgli, the new shooter in the race, trotted 1st up with energy past the half.

JL Cruze braced for the challenge and was on even terms with the pesky Highland Mowgli.  They trotted as a team to the three-quarter station in 1:24.2. (28.1).

JL Cruze dug down deep and summoned all his will and determination in the stretch. Northern Express closed from the pocket trip but could not reach the old man late.

JL Cruze won in 1:54 by a hard-fought neck and paid $4.40 as the bettor’s choice.

JL CRUZE REPLAY

JL Cruze is owned by W. Kenneth Wood of Md.  W.J. Dittmar Jr and S.J. Iaquinta both from Pa and is trained by Eric Ell.

Northern Express saved ground from the pocket and finished 2nd for trainer Arty Foster Jr.  Russell Foster drove.

Judge Bob charged home late and finished 3rd for trainer Megan Roberts. Pat Berry drove.

Tony Morgan drove home four winners on the betting card.  Shea Lare earned a training triple.  Frank Chick posted an owner triple. Pat Berry scored a driving triple.

Wednesday’s feature race at Bally’s Dover is the Mares Open Handicap Pace. Incaseyoudidntknow takes on Majorca N and Always B First. Post Time at Bally’s Dover is 4:30 pm.

For complete race results, click here.

by Alex Kraszewski, for Bally’s Dover