The final pair of Claim To Fame finals were contested at Miami Valley on Tuesday afternoon (Jan. 26), wrapping the popular series that was divided into nine different claiming classes and doled out over a half-million dollars in purses.
In the split for $12,500 claiming mares, Persistant Xample overcame the outermost post position draw and sailed gate to wire in 1:56 over a damp track that was at least two seconds off.
Driver Brett Miller launched the Virgil Morgan Jr. trainee and never looked back after reaching the top just past the :28.2 opening panel. Pressing forward through middle fractions of :56.4 and 1:25.3, the five-year-old Bettors Delight daughter held the competition off in the lane for a 1:56 score. Bellini Seelster tried gallantly to catch Persistant Xample, but ultimately had to settle for second. Glenferrie Bronte N, a winner of two straight preliminary legs, garnered the show dough in the $20,000 event.
The $8,000 claiming horses also gathered for their $22,500 championship tilt. Believeinthespirit bested Anarchy Hanover and Portrstownchris IR.
The 10-year-old son of Art Major had no problem grabbing the track winning in 1:53.4. Although Noble retained the drive behind the winner throughout the three week series, he had three different owners as he was collared via the claim box in each of the two preliminary legs. Jana Cromer owned Believeinthespirit for the final with Charlie Stewart training.
(Miami Valley Raceway)