A torrid three-wide battle for the lead developed during the first three-eighths of the mile in the $30,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace at Miami Valley Raceway on Thursday (Jan. 12), in which Rose Run Vision emerged victorious.
Lee Loo bolted from mid-pack behind the starting gate to secure a ride along the pylons. She was quickly joined by Rose Run Vision (Brad Ferguson) and Alexa Skye until well past the quarter-mile marker, which was reached in :27.3 over the rain-soaked strip.
Brad Ferguson and Rose Run Vision ultimately won the battle, but not until the field entered the second turn on the five-eighths mile oval. At 20-1 odds, the leader decided to leave even-money favourite Alexa Skye on the rim as they sped past the halfway point in the race in :55.1.
Rose Run Vision refused to yield to three-quarters, reached in 1:24, as well. The six-year-old daughter of Time To Roll persevered to the inside in the length of the finishing lane and prevailed by a half length over Lee Loo, with Alexa Skye fighting fiercely to hold for third despite the unfortunate trip. The winning time was 1:53 flat.
Don Eash owns and trains Rose Run Vision, who has won 29 times in her career and banked $351,222 doing so. Surprisingly, she returned $43.80 to her $2 backers. The $2 exacta kicked back a healthy $288.60 and a correct 50-cent trifecta ticket paid $320.20.
Miami Valley will be dark on Friday and Saturday, but will return to live action on Sunday (Jan. 15). Post time is always 4 p.m. (EST).
(Miami Valley Raceway)