Northfield, OH — Liteningonthebeach made short work of his foes on Monday (Dec. 2), winning the $20,500 Open Pace at MGM Northfield Park in gate-to-wire fashion.
As the gate sprung Liteningonthebeach (Aaron Merriman) and One Last Laugh (Billy Davis Jr.) timed the gate perfectly and sprinted away from their foes into the initial turn. While the pair dueled briefly, Liteningonthebeach was able to clear One Last Laugh before entering the backstretch and was comfortably on the lead through an opening quarter of :26.4.
Merriman put up a :28.1 second panel with Litenineonthebeach, and still had not received any pressure with one circuit remaining. Into the backstretch, Wicked Character (Hunter Myers) was sent to the outside, and when the field arrived at three-quarters in 1:23.3, he was within three-quarters of a length of the leader.
After setting stiff fractions, Liteningonthebeach put away Wicked Character, but had to brace for a three wide Back In My Day (Justin Irvine) who had fresh legs turning for home. Through the stretch, Liteningonthebeach dug in late, holding off pursuers to win by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:53.1. Back In My Day rallied to be second, while One Last Laugh battled to be third.
It was the ninth win of the year for the 4-year-old by Downbytheseaside, owned by Renee Bercury and trained by William Bercury. He pushed his career earnings to $360,281.
Live racing resumes on Tuesday at 6 p.m.
The turn of the calendar means a change for live racing at MGM Northfield Park. Following Monday’s card, the Home of the Flying Turns returns to a Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday schedule.
For more information on live racing and promotions, visit www.northfieldpark.com.