by Keith Gisser, assistant publicity director, Northfield Park

Northfield, OH — Titus Schlabach’s R Cowboy continued his dominance of Northfield’s Open Trot on Monday (Feb. 19), going gate-to-wire for driver Aaron Merriman to post a 2:00 win over passing lane closer Striking Genius and Big Boy Josh.

The 8-year-old Balanced Image gelding matched Spare Time Rosie as the winningest trotter in North America this year with his fifth 2007 win. He has already earned $20,210 this year and has a career bankroll of $187,295. The win was also his sixth in his last seven starts.

The win was one of three on the night for Merriman, who continues to lead Elliott Deaton and Ryan Stahl in the local driver standings. Andy Shetler and John D. Wengerd both doubled on Monday.