by Keith Gisser, assistant publicity director, Northfield Park
Northfield, OH — The trip was different on Monday (November 22), but the result was the same as open trotter Glory Bound took his seventh Northfield Open Trot in his last nine starts.
After barely seeing the pylons last week, Glory Bound cleared to the front from his assigned outside post seven in a relatively leisurely :28.1 to put Kami’s Call in the pocket, with sophomore filly Pine Hill Jewel getting away third. 17-1 longshot Queen’s Spirit made a prolonged first-over attempt, but never got closer than a length, while the second choice (O’Cala Kash) followed the over.
After a :59 half and a 1:29 three-quarters, there was little doubt to the outcome, as the outside flow couldn’t contend with Glory Bound’s :29.1 sprint home to cross the wire first in 1:58.1. Kami’s Call and Pine Hill Jewel held their early position through the wire.
Trainer Dee Hotton co-owns Glory Bound with Rob Grodin and Jerry Shapiro. Aaron Merriman drove the winner, part of a double on the card. The win was the 11th in 25 starts this year for Glory Bound, pushing his seasonal earnings to $70,285 and his career bankroll to $365,969.
Tony Hall and Jimmy Whisman also posted doubles on the card as 11 drivers visited the winner’s circle on Monday.