by Mark McKelvie, WEG Communications

Campbellville, ON — Trotting Triple Crown champion Marion Marauder made his return to the racetrack Friday morning (May 26) in qualifying action at Mohawk Racetrack.

The now 4-year-old son of Muscle Hill turned in a strong performance in his first qualifier of 2017 with a 1:56.1 victory over a track listed two seconds “off” and still recovering from significant rainfall on Thursday.

Roger Mayotte sat behind Marion Marauder for the qualifier. The star trotter floated out to the early lead and posted an opening quarter of :30. Six-year-old trotter Maximuscle, who was parked on the first turn, rushed up to take command in the second quarter, which allowed Marion Marauder to get a two-hole trip through the majority of the middle half.

Maximuscle reached the half in :58.4 and three-quarters in 1:28.2, while Marion Marauder followed closely behind and was tipped out just before the third marker.

In the stretch, Marion Marauder displayed his impressive final quarter abilities and trotted home with powerful strides in :27.3 to win by 16 lengths.

Trained by the team of Paula Wellwood and Mike Keeling, Marion Marauder moves up to join the older ranks this season after winning 10 of 15 starts during his magical 3-year-old season. The champion son of Muscle Hill carries career numbers of 11 wins, a mark of 1:51.3 and more than $1.7 million earned into his 4-year-old year for owners Jean Wellwood and Devin Keeling.

Marion Marauder’s 4-year-old debut could come on home soil in next week’s Graduate Series leg at Mohawk. The Triple Crown champion is eligible to the event restricted for 4-year-olds.

Editor’s Note: Marion Marauder is the subject of a feature article in the June issue of Hoof Beats, which is available digitally at myaccount.ustrotting.com and will arrive in subscribers’ mailboxes next week.