Washington, PA — Off nearly 11 months, millionaire Wind Of The North showed his class and heart when he moved strongly first-over to capture Tuesday’s (Jan. 14) $20,000 Open 1 Handicap Trot at The Meadows.

Wind Of The North was triumphant in his return to the races, taking Tuesday’s top trot at The Meadows. Chris Gooden photo.

Wind Of The North was fourth when Aaron Merriman sent him uncovered after the leader, Icanflylikeanangel. The 10-year-old Cantab Hall-Talk To The Wind gelding drew even in mid-stretch before surging to defeat Icanflylikeanangel by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:54.3. Cherry Peep finished third.

Bill Bercury trains and owns Wind Of The North, who now boasts career earnings of $1,085,908.

Speaking of winning off the bench, Touchamatic was inspired by Wind Of The North, her stablemate, to take Tuesday’s co-feature, the $20,000 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace, off a five-week layoff. She prevailed in 1:53.3 on the front end. Long shot Magic Forces rallied for second, three-quarters of a length back, while Dark Force completed the ticket.

Touchamatic, an 18-time winner last year, triumphed for Merriman, trainer Bill Bercury and owner Renee Bercury, giving the trio a sweep of Tuesday’s features. The 6-year-old daughter of American Ideal and Perfect Touch lifted her career bankroll to $436,122. Merriman collected three wins on the 13-race card.

Live racing at The Meadows continues Wednesday (Jan. 15), when the program features a $900.79 carryover in the final-race Super Hi-5. First post is 1:05 p.m.