Bernie upsets in $18,000 Open pace

Northfield, OH – Sometimes, it’s better to be lucky than good; on Sunday (Jan. 15), Bernie (Big Jim) was both lucky and good, getting the perfect trip to harness racing victory in the $18,000 Open Pace at MGM Northfield Park.

Expected leavers Zanetti (Aaron Merriman), Cool Man Dude (Billy Davis Jr.), and Prince Of Tides (Hunter Myers) dueled into the first turn, with Bernie (Ryan Stahl) getting away in fifth after leaving from post seven. 

Entering the backstretch, Zanetti worked to clear Cool Man Dude and would lead the field to the quarter in :26.3. On the front end, Merriman wasn’t able to catch any breathers following a half in :54.3; that’s when the action started.

Lyons Friends (Cody Massey) and Prince Of Tides left the pylons to take their shot at the leaders entering the clubhouse turn for the final time. 

While neither could advance on the two leaders, Cool Man Dude also decided to leave the pylons and take a shot at favorite Zanetti. This allowed Stahl to save ground with Bernie heading to three-quarters in 1:22.1. Cool Man Dude ended up wavering around the last turn.

Before Bernie could get locked in by Rockn Motion (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.), Stahl guided him to the outside, where he rode the wings of an angel to a three-quarter length victory in 1:50.4. Zanetti had to settle for second, Fly Charley Fly (Chris Lems) closed to be third, Rockn Motion was fourth.

“He just knows when to step up; this week has been difficult with my Uncle passing away,” said an emotional Millner. “He always seems to know when I need him most.”

With the victory, Bernie has earned $437,509 for the trainer Jessica Millner who co-owns with the Pod Stable LLC.

BERNIE REPLAY

Light Blue Movers (Merriman) also worked out a ground-saving trip in the $18,000 Open Handicap Trot to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:53.4.

With a lot of action early in the mile, shippers Locatelli (Anthony MacDonald) and Combs Hanover (Wrenn Jr.) ended up in the outer flow for most of the mile.

Predator And Prey (Myers) and Fashion Chocolate (Davis Jr.) were both quickest into stride off the gate. Heading to the quarter, Predator And Prey assumed control of the lead, making it to the quarter in :27.4, with Locatelli in between horses and Combs Hanover caught out three-wide.

Coming to the half in :56.2, MacDonald tried to clear Predator And Prey but could not get by the leader. Fashion Chocolate was forced to the outside after Locatelli, who was disqualified from fourth, interfered with Predator And Prey heading into the first turn for the final time. 

Fashion Chocolate being forced off the pylons allowed Light Blue Movers to come through at the inside, heading to three-quarters in 1:24.4. Merriman would use the passing lane in the stretch to overtake Predator And Prey, Chasin’ Dreams (Lems) finished third. At the same time, Combs Hanover was elevated to fourth after the disqualification of Locatelli.

LIGHT BLUE MOVERS REPLAY

Light Blue Movers has won two of three Open races at MGM Northfield Park this year for trainer Bill Rhoades and owner Timothy Poitinger. The talented gelding has earned $146,704 with 15 victories in 64 career starts.  

Live racing resumes at MGM Northfield Park on Tuesday, with a 6:00 p.m. first post. Tuesday is highlighted by the $10,000 guaranteed Late Pick-4 (R11) and the $10,000 guaranteed Super High-5, both in partnership with the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program.

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For complete race results, click here.

by Michael Carter, for MGM Northfield Park