World record performance by Bythemissal in $300,000 Milstein

Northfield, OH — Historically, the $300,000 Carl Milstein Memorial, MGM Northfield Park’s signature event, has featured some of harness racing’s greatest three-year-olds; the 2022 edition was no different on Saturday (August 13) night.

Sired by 2017 Carl Milstein Memorial champion, Downbytheseaside, Adios champion Bythemissal stamped himself as the top three-year-old in North America with a dominant stakes, track-record tying, and world-record tying 1:48.4 victory.

There were several leavers off the gait, but Night Hawk (David Miller) was able to clear rivals through the opening turn forcing JK Victory (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) into the pocket. Parked through the initial turn, Bythemissal (Chris Page) forged forward with his gelding, stung to the first quarter in a contested :26.2.

Once making the lead, Page would never look back, getting to the half in :54.1. Ponda Warrior (Jimmy Whitttemore), who had yet to see a pylon, attempted to challenge leader but could never get around pocket sitting Night Hawk through the clubhouse turn for the final time.

Heading to three-quarters, Page stepped on the gas opening up by two-lengths on his closest rival Night Hawk, arriving at three-quarters in 1:21.4. Page would only be a passenger, never really asking Bythemissal through the stretch to win by a confident 5-3/4 lengths in 1:48.4 over JK Victory and Soaring Now (Joey Putnam).

Page was never concerned about his gelding’s ability to get over a half-mile track, “He got around the half well and felt good to me,” said Page. “He’s very good, and was having fun out there.”

The sport’s leading trainer Ron Burke echoed his driver’s comments, “He’s a very special horse; Ohio-sired horses are going to do very well going forward.”

The victory pushed Bythemissal to $435,250 in career earnings with seven wins in eight career starts. He is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Rich Lombardo, and Weaver Bruscemi.

Burke said his next start would be in the Max Hempt at the Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono next Saturday (August 20).

Live racing resumes at MGM Northfield Park on Sunday with the first post of 6:00 p.m.

For complete race results, click here.

by Michael Carter, for MGM Northfield Park