John Dutton much the best in Open-Handicap

After bursting to the lead at the half mile, John Dutton (What The Hill) and harness racing driver Ronnie Wrenn, Jr. put the peddle to the metal in capturing the $18,500 Open Handicap Trot at MGM Northfield Park Sunday, April 7, 2024.

The 10^th race feature saw Double Account (Aaron Merriman) work their way on the outside to take the lead from Big Bad Caviar (Justine Irvine) after the opening quarter mile in :27.3.

Just as Double Account settled in on the lead, he was challenged hard by race favorite John Dutton and Wrenn, noses apart at the half mile in :57. John Dutton won the battle in the backstretch and was then immediately challenged first-over by Son Of Sona (Keith Kash, Jr.) who was within a half a length of the leader by the three-quarters in 1:25.4.

By the top of the stretch, John Dutton was still the strong horse as he held off the pocket-sitting Double Account to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:55.3. Shamrock (Hunter Myers) closed well from seventh place at the top of the stretch to finish third.

JOHN DUTTON REPLAY

It was the second win in four starts for John Dutton. The four-year-old gelding is trained by Michael Burke for the Burke Racing Stable, Knox Services, Johnny Yoder and R A S Racing. He paid $3.00 to win.

Ronnie Wrenn, Jr. led all drivers on the day with six winners and Chris Lems had four winners.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting Results

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink