Northfield, OH — Bully Pulpit captured the $16,000 Open Pace on Monday (May 6) in Northfield Park’s 13th race. The 1:49.4 victory marks the first sub-1:50 race on a half-mile track this year.

Bully Pulpit bested Southwind Amazon by a half-length, stopping the timer in 1:49.4. JJ Zamaiko photo.

Brian Loney conditions the pacer for Bradley Schwartz of Chicago, Ill. Aaron Merriman was in the bike for the winning drive.

Bully Pulpit (Well Said-Cupcakesnwhipcream) started from post eight. He was fifth through a brisk :26.2 opening quarter, then moved to second in the following panel and remained there through splits of :53.2 and 1:20.4. Merriman called upon Bully Pulpit in the stretch and he bested Southwind Amazon (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) by a half-length, stopping the timer in 1:49.4.

Bully Pulpit and Southwind Amazon started the race tied at 1:50.1 for the fastest half-mile win this year.

Monday’s triumph increased Bully Pulpit’s lifetime win tally to 19 and his earnings to $283,759. He returned $5.80 to win.