from harness publicists across North America

Monday’s (Dec. 1) edition of Racing Roundup features results stories from The Meadows and Northfield Park.

Easy Again makes it look easy in Meadows feature; Wilder wins five

Washington, PA — Rebounding from a tough outing, Easy Again seized the early lead and rolled through the slop to capture Monday’s $20,000 Winners Over $10,000 Life/Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows.

In his most recent start, Easy Again was parked early and eventually broke stride. The 5-year-old Dragon Again-Kuklapanandollie ridgling had no such misfortune Monday when he made the front from post eight for Dave Palone and coasted in 1:53.1. The pocket-sitting Dew N Doughnuts was second, 1-1/4 lengths back, with Classic Rock Nroll third.

Ron Burke trains Easy Again, who now boasts $726,381 in career earnings, fur Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi LLC, M1 Stable and The Panhellenic Stable.

Mike Wilder piloted five winners and Jim Pantaleano four on the 15-race card while Paul Corey fashioned a training triple.

— Evan Pattak

Northfield Park
The Northern Dude was a repeat winner of the $12,500 Open Trot on Monday at Northfield Park. Curran Racing, LLC owns the 5-year-old. Trainer Jessica Millner enlisted the driving services of North America’s leading driver Aaron Merriman. The Northern Dude (Ken Warkentin–LR Alleys Concern) left alertly from post seven and led his competition at every call. He set fractions of :27.3, :57, 1:25.4 and 1:56.4 and was a full length in front at the finish. Completing the race were Mythical Hall, Mama Made Me Blue, Jesse’s Messenger, Catching Katie, Diamond Hunter, Mary’s Darvin and Zorgwijk Heavenly. Monday’s victory represents the third consecutive win for The Northern Dude, who now has seven wins in 26 starts this year, 15 career successes and a bankroll of $177,030. He was the heavy favorite and paid $3.60 to win.

Major Belle was impressive in winning the evening’s $12,500 Open Pace. Ron Burke trains the 6-year-old for owners Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, Cynthia Massari and Joseph Di Scala Jr. Chris Page was aboard for the winning drive. Major Belle (Art Major–Meghan’s Belle) started from the far outside and was content in the back of the pack while his competition carved stiff fractions of :26.3 and :54.4. Major Belle had moved into third at the 1:23.2 three-quarter pole and took the lead in the stretch and bested his competition by two lengths in 1:53.2. Completing the race were Real Future, Top Of The Mark, Bettor’s Choice, Midnight Dragon, Allamerican Pewter and Onhishonor Hanover. Mybrothergeorge was scratched. Monday’s triumph was the seventh win in 28 starts this year for Major Belle. It increased his lifetime win tally to 22 and his earnings to $362,229. He returned $15.40 to win.