Northfield Park: Marion Marauder captures Cleveland Trotting Classic

Marion Marauder gave birthday boy Jordan Stratton a nice gift as he overcame an extended overland journey to capture Saturday night's $175,000 Cleveland Trotting Classic at Northfield Park in 1:52 4/5.

With two of the pre-race favorites in Homicide Hunter and Will Take Charge scratching out, a field of six was left to contest the event, and defending winner Crazy Wow (Chris Page) charged to the lead from post six and put the opening quarter on the board in 27 4/5. Marion Marauder began a first-up move from third coming off the second turn, but as he was advancing, Crazy Wow broke stride on the lead.

When Crazy Wow broke, In Secret (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) inherited the inside position against Marion Marauder, and he defended that spot, leaving Marion Marauder on the outside at the 55 second half, the 1:22 2/5 three-quarters, and around the far turn as well.

The Trotting Triple Crown winner wasn't to be denied, though, as he put away In Secret in the lane and edged away to score by a length and three-quarters. I Know My Chip (Greg Grismore) came up the passing lane in the stretch to collect second at 25-1, with In Secret third.

"This horse just overcomes everything they put in front of him," said Stratton. "I was worried about In Secret. I've raced against him at Yonkers time and time again, and he's a great horse himself. Marion Marauder just overcame it today."

Paula Wellwood trains Marion Marauder, a 5-year-old Muscle Hill stallion, for her mother Jean Wellwood and son Devin Keeling. This was Marion Marauder's 17th career victory, and he has now earned $2,705,200. He was the 1-9 favorite and paid $2.20 to win.