Dover: JL Cruze cruises to second win of 2016

Though stabled a short distance from the track, JL Cruze made his second 2016 start but first local appearance at Dover Downs on Wednesday night. The 5-year-old responded with an easy 1:53 2/5 victory in the $36,000 Open Preferred trot.

Hall of Fame driver John Campbell left with JL Cruze and tucked in fifth after the start. Campbell began his frontward movement heading to the half mile and steadily continued to move. The Crazed-Topcat Hall bay gelding finally took over after the three quarters on the way to his second triumph of the year for trainer Eric Ell and owners Ken Wood, of Denton, Md., and Philadelphia area residents, Bill Dittmar and Steve Iaquinta.

Emerging from a pack of trotters bidding for second was Spunky Jack with Roger Plante, who has five seconds this year and 15 over the last two seasons. Somebody AS teamed with Tim Tetrick, finished third in front of early leader Gural Hanover.

JL Cruze, who won by 1-1/2 lengths, now has 23 career wins and earnings of $690,553 lifetime.

-edited release (Dover)