Northfield: It's Academic, Racing Rampage return for Ohio-bred stakes

It’s Academic, a career winner of $2.4 million, returns to his Ohio roots on Saturday (August 10) and look to defend his title in the $100,000 Tom Aldrich President’s Trot at MGM Northfield Park.

It’s Academic, installed as the 3/5 morning line favorite by Director of Racing Dave Bianconi, has been lightly raced this season. The Dan Patch Award-winning older male in 2023 kicked off his season in the $131,250 Crawford Farms Trot at The Meadowlands after qualifying several times in preparation for the races. He rallied from well off the pace to finish a game fourth in that effort.

It’s Academic then shipped to Plainridge Park where he put together an impressive performance, winning easily in 1:51 2/5 in the $250,000 Spirit of Massachusetts. He then shipped back to the Meadowlands to race in the $282,000 John Cashman Memorial where he set stiff fractions before tiring and finishing eighth.

“He got a tough trip last week. I expect him to be better in the Aldrich,” said trainer Ron Burke.

Owned by Bradley Grant of Milton, ON, he has 31 victories with $2,444,333 in career earnings, more than anyone he will face on Saturday.

The remainder of the talented foes include Rose Run Yolanda, Herecomescharlie B, Caviar Gold, Shine All The Way, Refined, Black Magic, Don’t Take My Keys, and Guido Di.

Racing Rampage returns to Ohio for $100,000 Myron Charna President’s Pace

An Ohio Sires Stakes star at 2 and 3, Racing Rampage will try to continue his winning ways in Saturday’s $100,000 Myron Charna President’s Pace.

Trained by Travis Alexander for Darren Dowler and Lawrence Bettler, the son of Racing Hill enters Saturday on a two-race win streak, having won five of eight starts in 2024.

“We had Racing Rampage as a 2-year-old. He’s always been an extremely talented horse, so when Darren asked us to give him a shot, we jumped at the opportunity,” said Alexander.

Now 4, the talented gelding has 12 wins with $295,957 in career earnings. While he has not yet won a Grand Circuit race, he has shown his class during many state-bred races throughout the state of Ohio in his career, winning the Ohio Breeders’ Championship at Delaware (OH) as a freshman and sophomore.

Burke will send out Next Generation Champion Act Fast in the race on Saturday evening. The talented gelding kicked off the year earning a victory in a leg of the Graduate at The Meadowlands, before finishing a strong third in the $230,000 Graduate Final. Owned by Burke Racing Stables, Knox Services, Rich Lombardo Racing, and Beasty, he has earned $485,624 in his career.

They will face Liteningonthebeach, Quick Trick, Burnout, Brake Ahead, One Last Laugh, Seafire and Nashing Hill.

Saturday’s Carl Milstein Memorial program will get underway at 6 p.m. and feature a $25,000 guaranteed $1 Pick-4 beginning in race eight, with a $10,000 guaranteed $1 Pick-4 beginning in race 11, and a $10,000 guaranteed 20-cent Super Hi-5 in race 13.

-edited release (Michael Carter for MGM Northfield Park)

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