Another pair of 'Claim To Fame' late-closing series got underway at Miami Valley Raceway on Monday afternoon as two divisions of $8000 claiming mares and two divisions of $15,000 claiming trotters went postward.
Susies Soul (Jason Brewer) won the fastest split for the distaffers with a 1:56.1 upset over Endeavors Ladyluck (Trevor Smith) and Bad Glamour Girl (Chris Page). The winner, owned by Grant Wilfong and trained by Jeff Brewer, paid $44.40.
Dollys Girl (Trace Tetrick) proved best in the second division, topping Carries Desire (Brett Miller) and Luna Hanover (Trevor Smith) in 1:56.3. Rhonda Manship owns the 7-5 favourite who was harnessed by Pat Melloy, Jr. for the first time.
Mikey Hanover (Tetrick) wired the quickest trot division in 1:57.1. The 7-2 second choice beat favoured Winwood Scout (Brett Miller) and Mego Moss (Mike Oosting). Brandon Bartley was owner of Mikey Hanover for this start, but the 10-year-old gelding was one of three claimed from the contest.
The other trot division lit up the toteboard, when Sarah Gator (Chris Page) downed Fleet Bumblebee (Dan Noble) and Undercover Strike (Simon Allard) in 1:58.1. Dispatched at 36-1, the Mervin Schmucker trainee—owned by Richard Ruffles—paid $75.40 for a $2 win wager.
Racing resumes Tuesday afternoon, post time 2:05 p.m., featuring additional Claim To Fame first leg action. There will be two divisions of $12,500 splits for fillies and mares pacers as well as five divisions for $8000 male pacers.
(Miami Valley Raceway)