by Paul Ramlow, USTA Internet News Manager

Delaware, OH — Big Bad John equalled the world record for a 2-year-old pacing colt on a half-mile track in winning the $65,300 Standardbred for freshman pacing males on Thursday (Sept. 23) at the Delaware County Fair.

USTA/Ed Keys photo

Big Bad John equalled the world record for a 2-year-old pacing colt on a half-mile track in winning the $65,300 Standardbred for freshman pacing males.

David Miller was in the bike for trainer Ron Potter and owner Winchester Baye Acres Inc. as the Western Hanover-Trulyawork Of Art colt won for the fifth time in six career outings. He has now cashed $95,625 in checks.

Big Bad John was the early leader, taking the field to the opening quarter in :27.1 before yielding the front end to Powerful Mist (Tim Tetrick). The new leader took the field to the half in :56.3 and the three-quarters in 1:23.2 with Big Bad John enjoying the pocket trip.

Turning for home, Big Bad John came out to challenge the leader and proved to be the best, reaching the finish line in 1:53. Powerful Mist ended up in the place spot, with Magnus Deo (George Brennan) third.

After winning the Grand Circuit stake for 2-year-olds, Big Bad John’s connections already had the 2011 Little Brown Jug on their mind.

“That’s exactly what our goal is (to pick up the Jug trophy next year),” said Edward Telle, who owns the colt as Winchester Baye Acres Inc. “Actually we are going to try out the Breeders Crown next week. Why not? He’s won five out of six with one second.

“He loves racing at the Meadows and he loves hearing Roger (announcer Huston) call his name. When he hears him, he just perks his ears up and flies.”

— Kim French also contributed to this report