by Ayers Ratliff, for Northfield Park

Northfield, OH — Aaron Merriman is harness racing’s dash-winning driver for both 2015 and 2016. Flipping the calendar to 2017 has not changed his winning ways. In fact, Merriman won eight races on Sunday (Jan. 1) at Northfield Park.

JJ Zamaiko photo

Aaron Merriman collects his first win of 2017 with King Muscles in his quest to hit the trifecta with three consecutive driving titles.

Merriman triumphed with King Muscles ($2.40) in race one, Jude Hall ($2.60) in race three, Ewald Hanover ($3.60) in race five, Beauty Chip ($2.20) in race six, Stevie Diamonds ($3.20) in race eight, Doc Betts’ Buckeye ($2.40) in race 10, SR Radar ($3.00) in race 12 and Avanza ($2.60) in race 14.

Merriman won his first race in 1998, a $2,200 conditioned event in 1:58.3, at the former Raceway Park in Toledo, Ohio, aboard Albert’s Filly.

Since breaking his maiden, he has scored 8,737 more times with purse earnings approaching $53 million.