Initial legs of a couple more popular Claim To Fame series set sail on Monday afternoon at Miami Valley Raceway. $15,000 claiming trotters and $8,000 claiming pacing mares contested their opening rounds in two divisions each.
Insomniac (driver-trainer Brady Galliers) crushed the quickest split among trotters, besting Heres The Magic (John DeLong) and Taurus Du Parc (Tyler Smith) by a whopping 18 lengths in 1:53.4. The eight-year-old Crazed gelding took no prisoners, widening his advantage with practically every stride during the impressive mile. Insomniac, however, will be racing for new connections in his next start as he was collared for $15,000 via the claim box by Rene Allard and Bruce Soulsby for trainer Chris Short.
Infrontandforgetit (Josh Sutton) won the other division in 1:57 and was also claimed. The five-year-old Dontyouforgetit mare entered the race as part of the Ron Burke Brigade, but came out of it belonging to new owner William Hartt and trainer Mike Hitchcock. Kiwi Pres (Brett Miller) and Entranced (John DeLong) were next to cross the line in the contest.
The trotters will chase enhanced $17,500 purses in the second leg next Monday carrying claiming tags enhanced by 30%. When they reach the final, the top earners in the series will race for a $27,500 bounty.
T C Scandal (Brett Miller) and Foolish Heart (Trace Tetrick) were winners of the two $8,000 splits for claiming mares.
T C Scandal topped Skyway Royalty (John DeLong) and Analyze (Tyler Smith) in 1:53.2 for owners Kiara and Tre Morgan, the grown children of trainer Virgil Morgan, Jr.
Foolish Heart got the best of Melanies Filly (Brett Miller) and Freedom Rolls (Jason Brewer) in 1:54.2. The winner was one of six mares taken via the claim box from the two divisions, however.
A $22,500 Open Trot, four divisions of the opening round of Claim To Fame action for $8,000 horses and geldings, and a pair of splits for $12,500 female pacers will highlight the Tuesday afternoon matinee at Miami Valley.
(Miami Valley Raceway)