JL Cruze upsets in Open Handicap Trot at Bally’s Dover

Dover, DE — Just when you thought JL Cruze’s career might be over due to lackluster performances lately, the old man rose to the occasion with a gutsy win in the $25,000 Open Handicap Trot on Tuesday (March 21) at Bally’s Dover.

The 7-5 betting favorite Yall Beneath Me left from post seven and was parked to the quarter by Northern Express in :26.4. Yall Beneath Me led the field in single file to the half in :55.4.

JL Cruze dug down deep and called upon his back class, winning the race by a nose in 1:53.1. Fotowon photo.

The backfield was in motion as JL Cruze braved a first over charge from third at the five-eights marker as Yall Beneath Me began to weaken on the lead. Muscle Dynasty followed second over and Northern Express shadowed third over. JL Cruze cleared for the lead at the three-quarters in 1:24.1.

At the top of the stretch, 12-year-old JL Cruze held a brief lead as Muscle Dynasty, who had won three straight, was closing fast. It set up a classic stretch duel between the old man JL Cruze and the young gun Muscle Dynasty. JL Cruze dug down deep and called upon his back class, winning the race by a nose in 1:53.1. Muscle Dynasty finished second for trainer Shea Lare. Corey Callahan drove. Northern Express finished third for trainer Arty Foster Jr. Russell Foster drove.

JL Cruze (Crazed) is owned by W. Kenneth Wood, William Dittmar Jr. and Stephen Iaquinta. He is trained by Eric Ell. Art Stafford Jr. drove.

Racing continues on Wednesday at Bally’s Dover. Post time is 4:30 p.m.

Back to Top

Share via