If the first mile for the 2013 live meet at Scioto Downs was any indication, the season should be 'on fire.'

The first race on Scioto's Wednesday, May 8 card was a scorcher, with first-time starter Ilikeitrealhot stopping the clock in 1:52. The Real Desire colt is trained by Ron Potter and was driven by Jeff Nisonger.

The 11-race card generated an all-sources handle which was up 40.1 per cent compared to last year’s opening night program (which was held on a Friday).

There were new faces at Scioto on the card. Tony Hall, Brad Hanners and Ronnie Wrenn Jr. each had at least seven drives, while last year's leading drivers Kayne Kauffman, Dan Noble and Chris Page all had at minimum 10 calls to the gate. Both Hall and Page ended the night with a hat trick, winning three races apiece.

Live racing at Scioto will be contested with a Wednesday-through-Saturday schedule. Each card will feature a 6:30 p.m. first-race post time through Saturday, September 14. Special 1:00 p.m. cards will be held on May 27 (Memorial Day), July 4, August 3 (state fair races) and September 2 (Labour Day).

(With files from Scioto)