Hoosier Park: Marion Marauder joins list of triple millionaires

Marion Marauder became harness racing's newest entrant in the $3 million career earnings club after winning the $200,000 Caesars Trotting Classic on Friday night at Hoosier Park in 1:52 4/5.

With Scott Zeron in the bike, Marion Marauder got away eighth from post nine and watched as I Know My Chip (Sam Widger) launched into the lead and chopped out the opening quarter in 26 2/5. Hannelore Hanover (Yannick Gingras) then popped pocket to take charge, and she was on the point at the 56 1/5 half, with Bridge To Jesse's (John De Long) first-up, Homicide Hunter (David Miller) second-over, and Marion Marauder tracking them from third-over.

Hannelore Hanover managed to keep control at the 1:25 2/5 three-quarters and turned the field into the lane, but Zeron cut Marion Marauder loose, and he responded with a burst that carried him to the lead and the win by half a length. JL Cruze (Trace Tetrick) split foes after an inside trip and was a good second at 64-1, and Homicide Hunter finished in third.

"He doesn't mind taking air or being out two- or three-wide," said winning trainer Paula Wellwood, who added that Marion Marauder will be Canada's representative again in this year's $1 million International Trot at Yonkers Raceway. "He's just a good horse and gets to the wire."

A 5-year-old son of Muscle Hill, Marion Marauder is owned by Wellwood's mother Jean Wellwood and her son Devin Keeling. This was Marion Marauder's 20th career victory, and he has now earned $3,080,380. Sent off as the 9-5 favorite, Marion Marauder paid $5.60 to win.