Journeyman gelding reaches $2 million

JL Cruze (Crazed) became a harness racing double millionaire on New Year’s Eve at Bally’s Dover with a third place finish, reached a long-awaited milestone just before turning 14.

The gelding, driven by Montrell Teague, reached the front just before the quarter but was under pressure the whole way from the first-over Inter Mischief (Anthony Morgan). He was able to shrug off that rival on the final turn, but not the favoured Renegade Gypsy (Tim Tetrick), who shot the passing lane to victory. Mickey Muscles (Ross Wolfenden) also passed him for second. With his third place finish, JL Cruze picked up enough in earnings to hit the $2 million plateau.

JL CRUZE REPLAY

JL Cruze has raced 248 times with 73 victories. The former Grand Circuit trotter’s top wins include the Hambletonian Maturity, Spirit of Massachusetts Trot, and the Graduate Series Final. He took a mark of 1:49.4 at The Meadowlands in 2015. Eric Ell trains the gelding for owners William Wood, William Dittmar Jr., and Stephen Iaquinta.

A ceremony was held in the winner’s circle after the race to recognize the gelding’s achievement.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink