Marion Marauder captures inaugural Caesars Trotting Classic
September 22, 2018,by Emily Gaskin, for Hoosier Park
Anderson, IN — The sport’s top trotters were showcased in the inaugural edition of the $200,000 Caesars Trotting Classic at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino during an action-packed 14-race card on Friday (Sept. 21), and as expected, it was a true demonstration of sheer trotting talent. With regular pilot Scott Zeron in the bike, Trotting Triple Crown champion Marion Marauder staged an incredible rally late in the lane and utilized the long Hoosier Park stretch to his advantage to get up in the final strides of the mile in 1:52.4.
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Marion Marauder lifted late and held off JL Cruze to capture the inaugural $200,000 Caesars Trotting Classic at Hoosier Park.
Handed the tough outside post position nine, Marion Marauder was unhurried from the gate and settled along the rail in eighth. Using his customary early gate speed, Sam Widger had I Know My Chip pointed to the front to grab command just before the first quarter in :26.2. Opting out of a pocket trip, Yannick Gingras pointed Hannelore Hanover to the front and she quickly grabbed the lead just before the half to dictate fractions of :56.1 and 1:25.2.
Bridge To Jesse’s and John DeLong were unable to find a seat along the rail and began their long first-over journey approaching the final turn. Homicide Hunter and David Miller quickly grabbed the cover and were well placed second-over while Marion Marauder followed suit and were poised to strike from third-over.
Hannelore Hanover was able to put away Bridge To Jesse’s and appeared to be up to the task, but her biggest threats were still behind her. Homicide Hunter tipped from behind his tiring cover, but it was Marion Marauder who was widest of all with a full head of steam. Utilizing a :26.2 final panel, Marion Marauder dug in gamely in the final strides to hold off a hard-charging JL Cruze and Trace Tetrick. Homicide Hunter also rallied well late to round out the trifecta. Sent off as the heavy betting favorite, Marion Marauder returned $5.60 at the betting windows.
“We never tell Scott how to drive; he knows this horse so well and always takes care of him,” trainer Paula Wellwood noted in the winner’s circle. “We don’t worry about the trip much because he can take a lot of air; he’s just a great horse.”
The 5-year-old son of Muscle Hill and Spellbound Hanover won for the sixth time this season and for the 20th time in his career. With the win, Marion Marauder sent his lifetime purse earnings over the $3 million mark for owners Marion Wellwood and Devin Keeling.
Live racing will continue at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Saturday (Sept. 22) with an 11-race card. With a daily post time of 6:30 p.m., live racing at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino will follow a Tuesday through Saturday schedule and be conducted through Nov. 10. For more information on the upcoming entertainment and live racing schedule, please visit www.hoosierpark.com.
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