by Ayers Ratliff, for Northfield Park

Northfield, OH — Cams Valentino crossed the finish line faster than any other 4-year-old pacing gelding on a half-mile track in the history of harness racing when he won the $14,500 Open II in 1:49 on Monday (June 11) at Northfield Park.

The clocking also tied the all-age track record on Northfield Park’s half-mile oval.

The former 4-year-old gelding world record of 1:49.4 was held by Wiggle It Jiggleit (set in 2016 at Northfield) and the Northfield record was solely held by Scott Rocks, who set the mark in 2016.

Arold, Drury, Kohut LLC own Cams Valentino. Kent Sherman is his conditioner and Aaron Merriman was in the sulky for the winning drive.

Cams Valentino (Art Official-Cam’s Valentine) started from post one. He left from the gate and led the entire mile through times of :27, :54.2, 1:21.2 and 1:49, dominating his competition by 11-1/2 lengths.

Cams Valentino now has five wins in 16 starts this year. Monday’s victory represents his 12th career score and bolstered his bankroll to $88,634. He was heavily favored and returned $2.20 to win.