World record set at MGM Northfield Park

Northfield, OH — Eye Ofa Tiger As (Chapter Seven) has been a staple among the Open Trotters at MGM Northfield Park; on Sunday (May 7), he continued to show his harness racing foes, who was boss with a jaw-dropping track and world record, 1:52 victory in the $20,000 event.

The previous record holder for an aged gelding trotter on a half-mile track was held by Smoking Jet, who won the Tom Aldrich President’s Trot in 1:52.1.

Shockingly, off his victory last week, he was sent off as the second choice behind Burke trainee Tequila Talkin (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.)

It was no surprise to see Big Bad Caviar (Greg Grismore) leaving off the wings, as he had set some wicked fractions before tiring in recent weeks. Eye Ofa Tiger As (Billy Davis Jr.), also left, finally clearing the leader at the quarter in :27.1

It was an uncontested second half in :56.1, the outer flow began to develop with Barn Hall (Kurt Sugg) flushed out of fourth by Killer Instinct (Hunter Myers) and Tequila Talkin.

With three-eighths of a mile to trot, Davis stepped on the gas with Eye Ofa Tiger As, opening up by 1-1/2 lengths trying to create some separation, and he did, getting to three-quarters in 1:24.1 up by 3-1/2 lengths.

Turning for home, Eye Ofa Tiger As showed no signs of slowing down under no urging from Billy Davis Jr, winning by 4-3/4 lengths. Killer Instinct dug in for second while Tequila Talkin closed for third.

EYE OFA TIGER AS REPLAY

Owned by Acl Stuteri Ab and Kjell Johansson and trained by Mark Headworth, the talented trotter continued his quest to millionaire status, with earnings of just shy of $875,000. He has 39 victories in 149 starts.

In the co-featured Open Pace, the inside three all left alertly, with Almanac (Davis) clearing through the first eighth of a mile; Carolina Beach (Somebeachsomewhere) and driver Aaron Merriman were able to push past into the backstretch.

The field reached the quarter in a snappy :26.4, with no one moving a muscle at the half in :55.1.

Into the backstretch for the final time, Saulsbrook Genesis (Wrenn) began his bid from fifth, carrying One Last Laugh (Myers) along for a perfect trip.

At three-quarters in 1:22.4, Saulsbrook Genesis engaged Carolina Beach and the two tussled through most of the stretch with Almanac trying to close up the inside, but Carolina Beach was kept to task, winning by a neck in 1:50.3.

CAROLINA BEACH REPLAY

Owned by trainer Renee Bercury, Carolina Beach has earned $698,823 with 54 victories to his credit.

Live racing resumes on Tuesday evening at 6:00 p.m.

MGM Northfield Park currently races on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. For more information on live racing and promotions, visit here.

For complete race results, click here.

by Michael Carter, for MGM Northfield Park