Northfield, OH — Tequila Talkin hadn’t been to the winners’ circle at MGM Northfield Park since early December; that drought ended on Sunday (February 18) evening as the son by Cantab Hall scored a victory in the $18,000 featured Open Trot at MGM Northfield Park.

Tequila Talkin dug in to win the $18,000 featured trot at MGM Northfield Park on Sunday evening. Casalinova Photo.

Winning Ticket (Aaron Merriman), Tequila Talkin (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.), and Don’t Take My Keys (Ryan Stahl) all powered off the wings early and barreled into the first turn together, with Tequila Talkin clearing Winning Ticket before a :28.2 opening quarter.

The field remained in straight alignment past the half in 57, with Oberto (Billy Davis Jr.) beginning a bid for the lead first over; that bid was short-lived, however, as he broke stride entering the backstretch.

At three-quarters in 1:25.1, the three original leavers remained up top. Entering the far turn, Stahl tipped Don’t Take My Keys briefly to the outside but then elected to save ground around the final turn. Turning for home, Stahl took Don’t Take My Keys to the passing lane, and while he closed gamely, he came up a half-length short of Tequila Talkin, who dug in to win in 1:54.3.

Owned by Burke Racing Stable and Weaver Bruscemi and trained by Michael Burke, the talented 9-year-old pushed his career earnings to $573,926.

Live racing resumes on Tuesday (February 20) with a first post of 6:00 p.m.

MGM Northfield Park currently races on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings. For more information on live racing and promotions, visit www.northfieldpark.com.