Dover, DE — JL Cruze gave his all in the stretch to earn a 1:52.3 victory in the $20,000 Open Trot on Tuesday night (Dec. 29) at Dover Downs.

Storied veteran JL Cruze (foreground) narrowly prevailed in Tuesday’s Open Trot at Dover Downs. Fotowon photo.

JL Cruze was driven aggressively by Dexter Dunn for early position but yielded to Scirocco Rob through a :27 first quarter. After brushing for command just past the quarter, JL Cruze set middle fractions of :56 and 1:24.3. Jack Vernon mounted a first-over challenge into the final turn, and Scirocco Rob gave stout chase from the pocket turning for home. In the stretch, JL Cruze held them both off, winning by a neck as the 3-5 favorite. Scirocco Rob (Tim Tetrick) closed up the open stretch for second; Jack Vernon (Corey Callahan) finished third.

Eric Ell trains 41-time winner JL Cruze for Ken Wood, Bill Dittmar Jr. and Steve Iaquinta. The 9-year-old Crazed gelding has amassed over $1.5 million in lifetime earnings.

Pat Berry led all drivers with four wins on the 13-race card.