Fan Of Terror extended his 2021 win streak to three by capturing the $21,000 Open Pace on Saturday (Jan. 23) at Miami Valley.
The nine-year-old son of Western Terror has regained his best form following a less-than-spectacular end to his 2020 season, when he failed to cash in four consecutive open events.
The three recent wins, two in high-class conditions and this one in the Open, have Fan Of Terror sitting on a potential 50th win in his next outing. His 49 current victories in 167 starts have helped produce $519,019 in earnings. Peter Redder trains the winner for owner Therl Hensley.
Driver Dan Noble took full advantage of Fan Of Terror’s favourable draw, leading the featured pacers through fractions of :26.3, :55 and 1:22.4 before closing in :28 to complete the 1:50.4 score. Favoured GD Western Joe, winner of the last two Opens at Miami Valley, rallied for a place finish despite starting in the outermost post position. Tivo Hanover completed the trifecta finishers.
Two races later, Windsun Gotham pulled a major upset in the richest race thus far this season at Miami Valley, the $32,500 championship tilt for $20,000 Claim To Fame finalists. Driver Jeremy Smith was particularly grateful for this win as the race was named in memory of his late friend ‘Wild’ Bill Taylor, whose family and friends joined in the winner’s circle presentation.
Smith got away seventh in the Taylor Memorial field and found himself eighth (in fourth-over position on the outside) about five-eighths of a mile into the fray. Once tipped three wide into the final turn, Windsun Gotham began passing his competition fast and furiously. Despite having to finish in the middle of the track, the seven-year-old son of American Ideal posted the quickest final quarter to beat Jet Rock and Absolut Rocks in 1:51.4.
Rick Howles and Souren Hovsepian co-own Windsun Gotham, who is trained by Payton Ode.
Racing at Miami Valley resumes on Sunday (Jan. 24) afternoon with a 2:05 p.m. (EST) post time.
(Miami Valley Raceway)