Favourites won both divisions of the final preliminary for the Dr. Dan Farwick Memorial trotting series at Miami Valley on Tuesday (March 23). In doing so, both took new lifetime best speed badges and established themselves as favourites for next week’s $27,500 championship tilt.

Howyadoinbub beat Mary Mag Delene and Lights Down Low in the first split, stopping the teletimer in 1:54.3. The four-year-old son of Dejarmbro skipped the first leg of the Farwick but secured his spot in the final with the win. Bobbie Jo Brewer trains Howyadoinbub, who has won five in seven tries under her tutelage, for owners Kevin Manley and Brian Georges. Dan Noble sat in the sulky.

Heavily-favoured Kikimora dominated the second division, besting Dude Included and Shine All The Way in 1:53.3. The four-year-old daughter of Triumphant Caviar, notorious for flagging her tail from start to finish, won both series tune ups for trainer Chris Beaver and his partner Sandra Burnett, who bred Kikimora. A lightly-raced winner of over $300,000 lifetime, the victory was just her seventh in 24 starts. Brett Miller drove the winner.

In addition to Howyadoinbub and Kikimora the series finalists include Mr Charmbro, Mary Mag Delene, Shine All The Way, Dude Included, Bridge Works, Susie D and Lights Down Low. Bluebird Deacon would move in if any of the finalists fail to enter.

A $22,000 Open Handicap Trot was captured by Lane Of Stone, who lowered his record with an impressive 1:53.1 mile. Driver Trevor Smith pulled the mild upset by making a quarter move to the front with the five-year-old son of Wishing Stone, and then holding off favoured Mission Accepted and I Know My Chip. Lane Of Stone was a stalwart in the Ohio Sires Stakes while a juvenile and now has won two of five attempts versus Open company in 2021. Harry Horowitz owns the 22-time winner who is trained by Mark Winters.

Racing will resume Friday and Saturday nights at Miami Valley with 4:05 p.m. (EDT) post times for both programs.

(Miami Valley Raceway)