Lucky-to-be-alive pacer wins at Northfield

BB Bunny Bell ($18.40), the horse whose life was saved through the work of Barb Hartmann's Miracle Farm Rescue (and by donations from the public), picked up his first career win Monday night at Northfield Park. The 3-year-old pacing colt scored in 1:58.2, getting to the winner's circle in his seventh career start. Trainer Scott White called on Kurt Sugg to drive the son of Precious Bunny.

BB Bunny Bell suffered a head injury that left a hole in his head. Without expensive surgery, the horse's nasal passages would have become infected and he likely would not have survived. Hartmann took over his care, and through public appeals, media coverage and a live fund-raising appearance by the colt at the track, enough money was raised to cover the cost of the surgery. The colt was then put into training and all of his earning support the efforts of Miracle Farm Rescue.

In the $7,500 Open Trot, Yvette Prudenzano and Basil Kellis' Pure Jesse  ($7.60) posted a 1:58 win, his sixth in 12 seasonal starts. Aaron Merriman piloted the Jailhouse Jesse gelding for trainer Virgil Morgan Jr. Last week's upset winner, R Cowboy, was second and Masters Light got the show money.

Sugg posted four winning drives, including the early double which paid $59.40. Leading pilot Merriman also had four winning drives, while Jason Thompson, who picked up a four-bagger on Saturday, also found the winner's circle Monday night. (Northfield)

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