by Ayers Ratliff, Northfield Park Publicity Department

Northfield, OH — PL Dragon was the winner of the $6,000 Open Pace in Northfield Park’s third race on Monday (Aug. 19).

JJ Zamaiko photo

PL Dragon was a 1:51.3 winner for driver Aaron Merriman.

Steven Price owns the 6-year-old pacer. Trainer Ryan Angus called upon Aaron Merriman to drive the gelding. PL Dragon (Dragon Again-Go Wilma Go) started from the rail and led at every call through blistering fractions of :26.4, :55.2, 1:23.3 and 1:51.3.

PL Dragon easily handled his competition and was 2-1/4 lengths in front at the wire. Completing the race were Goodnite Goodluck, Kiasma, Ramember, Chase The Sun, I Ride Western and Moreland Flash. Lite Me Up was scratched.

Monday’s triumph increased PL Dragon’s lifetime win tally to 21 and his career earnings to $201,322. He was heavily favored and returned $2.20 to win.

Victory Is Coming captured the $6,000 Open Trot for owners Betty and John Red Shaw. Aamon Hershberger is the 6-year-old mare’s trainer and pilot. Victory Is Coming (Victory Sam-Norse Comer) started from post eight and sat mid-pack through fractions of :27.3, :56.2 and 1:26. Hershberger asked her to trot in the stretch and she responded. Victory Is Coming stopped the clock in 1:56, besting her competition by 2-1/4 lengths.

Completing the race were Lady Rev, Norma’s Rose, Don’t Blink, Lookslikefire, Arianna Hall, Church St Boom R, Rockin H Winnie and Triple G.

Victory Is Coming now has six wins in 2013 and 34 career successes. Monday’s victory pushed her career bankroll to $383,145. She paid $5.60 to win.