Homicide Hunter, the Indiana sired son of Mr. Cantab that rocked the Standardbred world last October by becoming the fastest ever trotter with a 1:48.4 mile, made his first 2019 trip to the winner’s circle Sunday, May 19. The Mr. Cantab gelding, now seven, won the $30,000 Great Northeast Open Series at Harrah’s Philadelphia by a half length in a time of 1:52.4.
Homicide Hunter set a world record in the inaugural Great Northeast Open Series Final that is held at a distance of one and one-quarter miles. (Photo by Dean Gillette)
Now trained by Ron Burke, Homicide Hunter had an easy path to the top out of the gate with Yannick Gingras along for the ride. The gelding trotted home in :28.1 to fend off his closest contender, All Champy and Simon Allard for the win. Owned by Crawford Farms Racing of Syracuse, NY, Homicide Hunter recorded his 40th career win in his 80th career start. His earnings now exceed $1.73 million.
After two qualifiers this spring, Homicide Hunter made his first start for Burke in the Great Northeast Open Series at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono and was never a factor in the race.
The Great Northeast Open Series, now in its second season, rotates back and forth between Poconos and Harrah’s Philadelphia. The next leg is set for Sunday, June 2 at Poconos. Horses earn points by participating in the series and the highest point earners will compete in the $100,000 finals set for Monday, Sept. 9 at Poconos. All finals, which includes the Open Mares Pace and the Open Pace along with the Open Trot, will be contested at the distance of one and one-quarter miles.
Homicide Hunter set a world record in the 2018 inaugural Great Northeast Open Series by winning the Open Trot in 2:22.2.