Scioto Downs first qualifiers of the season were held today (Monday, April 28) in preparation for the live racing season which starts on Thursday, May 8.

Qualifiers will continue to be held on Mondays throughout the summer with first-race post time at 10:00 a.m. The condition sheet for the first week of live racing is now available and Scioto Downs is set up for online entry

Announcer Barry Vicroy took a practice run Monday morning, as he made the race calls for the eight-dash card.

The highlights from Monday’s rainy morning card started in Race 1 when Tim Lane trainee Tangible Art, a three-year-old Wearble Art filly, made her debut an impressive one for her connections. After sitting off the pace to a 1:02 half, driver Alex Hawk said ‘lets go’ and cruised a :28.2 third quarter before holding off a fast-closing Princess Rock to win her qualifier in 1:59.3.

Il Songo Dream, with trainer/driver Christopher Beaver in the bike, was also making a return to the track during the qualifying session. The three-year-old Cantab Hall colt took a mark of 1:55.4 last year and banked $112,899. Beaver and his colt set the fractions and they didn’t disappoint, as the duo trotted away from their foes and won their qualifier in 2:00.4 by nine and half lengths.

In the next race, Players King, a three-year-old colt by Strong Player, recorded the fastest mile of the session for trainer Earl Owings and driver Kyle Ater. Players King won in 1:58.1 over the ‘sloppy’ track.

To wrap up the eight-race session, trainer James Arledge Jr. sent out Mall Star, a three-year-old colt by Star Challenger. The Jim Pantaleano-driven chestnut colt got a pocket ride before he angled out past the three quarters to win by two and a quarter lengths in 2:00.1.

(Scioto)