Funatthebeach N does it again in $200,000 Battle

The two richest harness racing events of 2022 in North America so far have been captured by the same longshot horse in each race, who happens to be Funatthebeach N (Somebeachsomewhere), as he won the $200,000 Battle of Lake Erie Saturday (June 11) at MGM Northfield Park.

It was back on April 25 that Funathebeach N won the $549,000 Final of the MGM Borgata Series with driver Jordan Stratton at 15-1 odds. Now Funatthebeach N and Stratton and have done it again in the Battle of Lake Erie.

The 11^th race feature saw Nicholas Beach (Joe Bongiorno) shoot right out to the early lead and was challenged immediately by race favorite Ocean Rock (Dan Noble) while Tattoo Artist (Mark MacDonald) was caught floating first-over as they flew to the opening quarter mile in :25.2.

Coming to the half mile marker, Jimmy Freight and driver Billy Davis, Jr. came second-over behind Tattoo Artist as Ocean Rock led the field at the half in a blazing :52.3.

As they straightened out in the backstretch the action heated up as Davis, Jr. took Jimmy Freight three-wide around Tattoo Artist, and following the three-wide move was the longest shot on the board, 24-1 Funatthebeach N and driver Jordan Stratton.

They past the three-quarters in 1:21 as Jimmy Freight cleared to the lead with Funatthebeach N on the outside. Jimmy Freight then held the advantage starting down the stretch but Funatthebeach N found another gear and passed by Jimmy Freight to win by one and one-quarter lengths in 1:49.2. Jimmy Freight held for second with Sectionline Bigry (Brett Miller) third.

FUNATHEBEACH N REPLAY

It was the lifetime mark for Funatthebeach N, the New Zealand bred eight-year-old gelding is owned and trained by Mark Ford of Campbell Hill, NY and paid $51.20 to win. It was his seventh triumph of the 2022 season.

“That first eighth is the fastest I can ever remember,” said driver Jordan Stratton. “It worked out great that I could get Jimmy Freight in front of me. It was the same kind of trip we got in the Borgata too.”

Funatthebeach N had not won a race since his MGM Borgata win back on April 25. He now has earnings of $512,267.

For complete race results, click here.

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink