Nine is fine for Merriman

Northfield, OH — Wednesdays have been popular for the nation’s leading dash driver, Aaron Merriman, and Wednesday (Dec. 13) was no different as Merriman put up nine victories on the 15-race harness racing program for the second week in a row at MGM Northfield Park.

Merriman, who surpassed Herve Filion for third in all-time wins, has been the nation’s leading driver for eight straight seasons and is working on a ninth with 813 victories this year.

Merriman started the program with Christopher Beaver, trainee Accelerate (Walner-All The Time), winning in gate-to-wire fashion. Merriman and Beaver have teamed up to have a lot of success throughout the Buckeye State and have formed quite a bond.

Merriman wasn’t done yet, winning the next three races with Base Stealer (Rockin Image-Star Perfect, $3.20), Over And Back (Trixton-Chim Swift, $7.40), and Stabler (Always A Virgin-Didrickson, $2.10).

One of the more impressive victories on Wednesday was aboard David Russo trainee Tullow N (Mach Three, $5.20). The favorite was parked the mile from post seven and was forced three deep around the final turn, but Merriman was patient, nailing Lawrence N (Luke Ebersole) right on the wire.

Merriman would return two races later, scoring with heavy favorite Ranger Bomb N (Sportswriter, $3.80) for trainer Bill Rhoades. Merriman would conclude the card just like he started reeling off three-straight victories with Lovin On The Beach (Bring On The Beach-Love Power, $4.40), Passionate Promise (Creatine-Facial Expressions, $9.60), and Timeout Fitz (Fitzmagic-Time Travel, $3.00).

Live racing resumes on Saturday (December 11) evening at 6:00 p.m. and will feature Santa Sack Fan Appreciation night, MGM Northfield Park’s biggest giveaway for patrons on track. MGM Northfield Park currently races on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. For more information on live racing and promotions, visit www.northfieldpark.com.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Michael Carter, for MGM Northfield Park