from harness publicists across North America

Monday’s (July 6) edition of Racing Roundup features results stories from Northfield Park and Vernon Downs.

Wrenn scores six wins Monday at Northfield Park

Northfield, OH — Ronnie Wrenn Jr. won six races on Northfield’s Park’s 15-race program on Monday (July 6).

JJ Zamaiko photo

Activator and Ronnie Wrenn Jr. won the 15th race Monday at Northfield Park. It was the sixth win on the night for Wrenn.

Wrenn’s triumphs included Herbie’s Hot Stuff ($9.00) in race one, Scootinfordamoney ($5.40) in race two, Dream Crazed ($3.40) in race three, War Cry Hall ($7.00) in race 10, JM’s Dukeofdelight ($11.80) in race 13 and Activator ($2.80) in race 15.

Wrenn, 28, began driving in 2008 and has since garnered 2,589 career victories and is approaching $11 million in total purse earnings.

He leads Northfield’s local driving ranks with 319 wins this year. Aaron Merriman (271), Jason Merriman (138), Ryan Stahl (106) and Kurt Sugg (91) complete the top five drivers with the most wins over the Flying Turns this year.

Wrenn holds the 2013 and 2014 national dash titles in North America. He is currently second for 2015 with 417 races won, trailing Aaron Merriman by 21. Corey Callahan (371), Bruce Aldrich Jr. (348) and George Napolitano Jr. (322) complete the top five drivers by wins in North America this season.

— Ayers Ratliff

Vernon Downs
Taking advantage of a second-over trip and a torrid pace, the invading Burkentine Hanover ($28.20) edged clear late to take Monday evening’s $10,000 Open Pace at Vernon Downs in 1:49.2. The 5-year-old Cam’s Card Shark gelding tracked an early duel between Golden Receiver (Fern Paquet Jr.) and Fireyourguns (Jimmy Whittemore), keeping right behind them as Fireyourguns worked clear of his double-millionaire rival through a :25.1 first quarter. As JK Panache (Chris Lems) commenced a first-over rally after a :52.1 half-mile, Billy Dobson angled Burkentine Hanover out to follow cover past the apex of the far turn. Fireyourguns hit the three-quarter mark in 1:21, but was engulfed by JK Panache upon cornering for home. At the same time, Burkentine Hanover fanned off live cover, working to the lead in mid-stretch and prevailing by three-quarters of a length. JK Panache remained a game second, while Damon Blue Chip (John MacDonald) rallied from last to take third. Pacesetter Fireyourguns, sent off the 1-4 favorite, faded through the stretch to finish at the back of the quintet. Heidi Rohr trains Burkentine Hanover for Michele Nelson. Later in the card, Dude’s The Man finished a game second to Calvin B ($5.20, Dobson) in a $7,000 upper-level conditioned pace. Dude’s The Man brushed to the lead from third after tracking a :28 first quarter, accelerated on the far turn through a :54.4 final half but ultimately gave way to his first-over rival in the final yards of a 1:51.1 mile. The Jessica Okusko trainee made his final start before he competes in a Meadowlands Pace elimination on Saturday (July 11). Chris Lems drove the 3-year-old American Ideal colt for owners M and L of Delaware and Victoria Dickinson. Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Friday (July 10) evening, with first post at 6:45 p.m. (EDT).