by Patricia P. Miller, for GLADA

Hazel Park, MI — A full orange moon rose in the shimmering heat and Merlincrest was on the prowl. Driven to victory by Michael Caston, his second season’s win, the 5-year-old Kadabra gelding worked his own magic and scored in a fast 2:00.1. Another close exciting race and finish highlighted GLADA’s Monday night (July 2) at Hazel Park and lit up the board with fast fractions as Caston set the pace and wired the race.

The field of eight and their trotters sweated their way to the gate in the July heat wave. After a perfect start and horses flying out to gain position, Merlincrest went to the top and led the way at the quarter in :29. Striking Lightning, in rein to Christina Kennedy, made his own weather moving through the field from a double parked seventh to challenge Merlincrest for the victory.

Lockup Jazz with Steve Oldford in the bike was in second at the quarter and proved a worthy challenger, followed by Junior Cole with his own Score Card. Kara Sue Buxton was double parked out in fourth at the quarter, driving North Parcc for trainer Al Tomlinson.

Merlincrest continued to weave his spell at the half in :59.3 and the well rated horse raced on to the top of the stretch with Striking Lightning double parked in sixth but streaking up to second by the closing bell. Mylittlej with Richard Roach driving gained ground in deep stretch and claimed the show dough.

Eight sweat soaked drivers crossed the line but all the glory went to Caston and Merlincrest. A very close crowd of amateur drivers were beaming behind their exhausted sweat drenched horses, and dreaming of next Monday when another chance for victory comes around.