Repeat winner, longshot take co-feature Opens

Northfield, OH — Trix And Stones (Trixton) made a repeat visit to the harness racing winners’ circle on Sunday (April 28) with a game 1:55.2 victory in the $19,500 featured Open Trot at MGM Northfield Park.

Don’t Take My Keys (Ryan Stahl) and Big Bad Caviar (Justin Irvine) both left alertly dueling for the lead into the opening turn, with Trix And Stones (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) watching the action in third.

As the field moved up the backstretch, Don’t Take My Keys had to work to clear Big Bad Caviar. Trix And Stones was chomping at the bit from in third, so Wrenn sent him to the outside to challenge the leader.

Don’t Take My Keys got the the quarter in :28.3, and he would duel with Trix And Stones through much of the second quarter before Trix And Stones finally worked past to the lead at the half in :57.2.

There was no change in position at three-quarters in 1:26.1 as Don’t Take My Keys bided his time, saving ground in second. Around the far turn, Stahl sent him outside to take another shot at Trix And Stones, but he still had more in the tank, under confident handling to win by a half-length in 1:55.2.

TRIX AND STONES REPLAY

Owned by Schillaci Stables, Sam Bova Racing, John Manning, and Matthew Todaro, the 8-year-old, trained by Jodi Schillaci, pushed his career earnings to $468,674.

“The last two weeks have been very rewarding,” said Schillaci following the victory. “He’s a very gutsy horse, and when he doesn’t make a break, he is as tough as they come.”

Back In My Day (Always B Miki) and driver Kurt Sugg stormed home from off the pace in the $19,500 Open Pace, winning in upset fashion.

Sugg wasted no time saving ground with Back In My Day, wrestling him into the pocket early as One Last Laugh (Hunter Myers), Mull Of Kintyre (Justin Irvine), and Litneningonthebeach (Aaron Merriman) jostled for position.

One Last Laugh managed to work his way to the lead through the opening turn, Irvine tried to take a hole in the pocket into the backstretch, but Mull Of Kintyre wanted to keep rolling, so the pair went to the point, clearing by a wicked :25.4 opening quarter.

Off the contested opening quarter, Merriman sent Liteningonthebeach to the outside around the far turn, bringing Back In My Day with him second over and Vel Mr Nice Guy (Joe Chindano Jr.) third over in the flow. The trio applied pressure to Mull Of Kintyre through another strong fraction of :54.

Mull Of Kintyre continued to the lead up the backstretch, at an eye-popping three-quarters in 1:22; back In My Day was sent three-wide around Liteningonthebeach, with One Last Laugh a ground-saving third.

Through the stretch, Back In My Day swept past Mull Of Kintyre and held off a passing lane challenge from One Last Laugh to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:51.4.

BACK IN MY DAY REPLAY

Owned by Rebecca Sugg and Jessica Roegner, the 5-year-old pushed his bankroll to $135,352.

The best place to watch and wager on Saturday’s (May 4) 150th Kentucky Derby in the state is MGM Northfield Park. With contests, a food truck festival, and bands, the northeast Ohio facility has plenty to offer.

The doors at Northfield Park will open at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, and the first race from Churchill Downs will be held at 10:30 a.m.

Those wanting to beat the rush on Saturday can take advantage of advanced Kentucky Derby wagering beginning Tuesday (April 30) at Noon and full-card advance wagering beginning Thursday (May 2).

Wagering will be available on Saturday (May 4) at both the racetrack and MGM Northfield Park racino. Guests can wager in the Bet MGM Sportsbook at 10:00 a.m. and the Neon Room beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Contests for patrons on track will begin early, with the “Triple Crown Race to the Riches” drawings beginning at 10:00 a.m. Fans will receive an entry blank to deposit into a barrel for a chance to win a spot in the Race to the Riches game, Kentucky Derby prize packs, Ohio Lottery Instant Tickets, and more.

The ever-popular hat contest will also be featured on Saturday. Patrons can enter the contest any time from Noon to 3:30 p.m. across from the Center Program Stand. From 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., contestants will be judged in the Winner’s Circle, with the winner being announced at 5:00 p.m. The hat contest features a $500 top prize, with $300 going to second place and $200 to third place.

A Kentucky Derby handicapping seminar will be played throughout the building at noon, with Michael Carter, Northfield Park announcer Kenny Livengood, and Bob “Railbird” Roberts handicapping the entire race card.

Northfield Park will host its annual Kentucky Derby Food Truck Festival on the track apron. Seven of Northeast Ohio’s top food trucks will be selling their specialties from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Food truck participants include Southern Thangs, Jackpot Chicken, Wrap It Up, Cookie’s BBQ, Famous Eddie’s Cheesesteaks & Grille, Summerfest Grille, and Crooked Kettle Popcorn Co.  

To accompany the tasty food, there will be plenty of beer specials throughout the building. Fans can get the popular Mint Juelp on track for $6 in a regular cup or $10 in a commemorative Kentucky Derby glass.

Live music will also be available on the track apron, with Pop Avenue (1 p.m. to 3 p.m.) and Buckshot (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) performing.

For those looking to commemorate the afternoon, Kentucky Derby merchandise will be on sale on the track apron beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Most seating throughout the day is free on a first come, first serve basis, with Trackside Loung and the new In and Out Concessions dining area sold out. Lady Luck’s Clubhouse seating will open at 9:30 a.m. and will feature concessions, food, and a bar from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  

Live racing resumes on Tuesday (April 30) with a first post of 6:00 p.m.

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

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

by Michael Carter, for MGM Northfield Park