Northfield, OH — The co-featured $20,000 Open Trot has been a race not to miss as of late at MGM Northfield Park, and on Sunday (May 28) that was no different as Flemsteen made things look easy, closing from off the pace to win by a nose.

While there wasn’t a world record set this week, there was plenty of pace up front, with Swan Fine Lady (Chris Page) leaving alertly to secure the lead into the backstretch the first time. Favorite Rose Run Xtra (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) wasn’t content with a two-hole ride, so he challenged the leader and cleared past the quarter in :27.2

Coming to the half, Flemsteen floated to the outside for Aaron Merriman, getting within two lengths of the leader, who hit the half in :56.1. Into the backstretch the final time, Flemsteen continued to apply pressure to Rose Run Xtra and Swan Fine Lady.

Rose Run Xtra battled on at the rail past three-quarters in 1:24.1 and turning for home looked like a winner, but Flemsteen had other ideas, rolling off cover and getting up in the shadow of the wire to win in 1:52.2. Rose Run Xtra had to settle for second while Swan Fine Lady finished third.

It was the 13th career win for the 5-year-old son of Explosive Matter for owners Christopher Beaver, Bill Manes, and R.B.H. Ventures. The victory pushed his earnings to $369,055.

In the $20,000 co-featured Open Pace, Carolina Beach (Merriman) avenged his recent losses by scoring a 1:50.1 victory.

Merriman wasted no time putting Carolina Beach on the lead and opened up two lengths into the backstretch, getting to the quarter in :26.3. Carolina Beach tried to get a breather in the second panel. Still, Merriman showed no signs of slowing down, with a :54.4 half.

Speedy Dominic A (Luke Ebersole), Saulsbrook Genesis (Wrenn) and Almanac (Billy Davis Jr.) began their bids on the outside, looking to upend the early leader. Carolina Beach showed a lot of grit at three-quarters in 1:22, holding off all challengers, but Speedy Dominic A looked poised to strike around the final turn. Through the stretch, Carolina Beach fended off all pressure to win by a neck over Saulsbrook Genesis and Almanac.

Owned by trainer Renee Bercury, it was the 55th career victory for the son of Somebeachsomewhere.

The Pick-5 eluded bettors once again on Sunday, causing a carryover of $20,368. The pool is estimated to reach over $125,000 on Tuesday.

Live racing resumes on Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. MGM Northfield Park currently races on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. For more information on live racing and promotions, visit www.northfieldpark.com.