from the Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Assn.

Okemos, MI — The day after he broke his ankle in an August 5 on-track accident at Raceway Park, driver Jason Merriman was at Hazel Park, wrapped in a cast, trying to convince the state race stewards that he was ready for action.

MHHA photo

Driver Jason Merriman and trainer Greg West are all smiles after Super Soph’s win at the Wolverine Futurity in July.

It’s no doubt that a big part of Merriman’s eagerness to get back in the sulky was 2-year-old filly pacer Super Soph (Admirals Galley-Platinum Card-Armbro Aussie), who had won three straight Michigan stakes events leading up to that night’s Silver circuit race at Hazel.

Drivers never like to give up drives, but Merriman must have been especially disappointed to hand over the reins of Super Soph.

On the advice of his doctors, Merriman sat out the month of August to heal. During his recuperation, Super Soph added four more stakes wins in the capable hands of Brad Kramer, including wins in the Spartan Futurity and Michigan Breeder’s Futurity. Undefeated, Super Soph has already banked $38,875 in her freshman season.

Needless to say, Merriman must be pleased today to learn that Super Soph’s connections have decided to put him back in the race bike for the Michigan Sire Stakes final at Hazel Park this Saturday.

According to Brian Campbell who, along with Ryan Morefield and Mark Wamp, owns Super Soph, “loyalty” is the main reason trainer Greg West will be calling on Merriman for Saturday’s race. The Super Soph team was already impressed with Merriman who they called a “talented young driver with a bright future,” but couldn’t believe that he showed up at Hazel Park for the Silver with a broken ankle.

“What a tough guy! Brad drove Soph very well, but we felt we had to go back to Jason,” Campbell added.

Eight divisions of Michigan’s best 2- and 3-year-old harness race horses will compete during Hazel Park’s Night of Champions this Saturday (Sept. 15).

Hazel Park Raceway is located at 10 Mile and Dequindre Roads in suburban Detroit. For Clubhouse reservations, call 248.398.1000.