Northfield: Betting Line's first trip to the United States a successful one

Betting Line and driver David Miller had some anxious moments on the final turn but regained their composure to capture the $300,000 Carl Milstein Memorial at Northfield Park on Saturday night.

Early rains had left the track less than ideal, but by post time the track had been upgraded to good. The 1-5 betting favorite Betting Line got away comfortably in third as Mr. Wiggle Pants and driver Kayne Kauffman asserted themselves early with a huge 25 4/5 opening quarter, seating the Ontario-based shipper Sintra late on the opening turn. The pace settled a bit during the second quarter, with the leader coasting to a 54 4/5 half and Betting Line and Miller getting into motion.

The activity intensified on the backstretch, with Betting Line in attack mode first-over, being tracked very loosely by Don'tcallmefrancis, and Pure Country, the lone filly in the field of seven, third-over behind dull cover. Pure Country and driver Brett Miller moved three-wide down the backstretch and was kept in that lane through the final turn. Betting Line moved to even terms with Mr. Wiggle Pants early on the final turn but made a mis-step and lost some momentum, appearing to throw the race into a mad scramble.

Instead, Miller was able to regain the composure of his sophomore son of Bettor's Delight, and the pair instantly caught stride and collared the pacesetter. From the moment they turned into the stretch the race was over as Betting Line rolled to his eighth consecutive victory for trainer Casie Coleman. Pure Country, extended wide through the last turn, rallied for second, with Magnum J following wide on the final turn for third.

The judges posted the inquiry sign after the race to review the final turn incident before posting the race official.

"He started running in on me a little," said David Miller after the win. "Once he straightened out he had a high turn of speed."

Coleman indicated that the colt will stay overnight in Ohio, and then ship back to Ontario before his next scheduled start Saturday's Battle of the Brandywine at Pocono.

"Dave (Miller) had to baby him around the turn, but he raced great. We're going to have to correct that issue before coming back to Ohio for the Little Brown Jug." Coleman said.