Kiss Of Terror was crowned as the first of seven Claim To Fame Series champions that will be decided over the next five days at Miami Valley Raceway.
By winning the $27,100 final in 1:53.4 the five-year-old Western Terror gelding is the king of the $12,500 male pacing division.
Driver Chris Page pushed Kiss Of Terror hard off the gate before briefly yielding to John Jay (Simon Allard) on a quarter pole ‘give and go’. Just past the halfway point longshot Poison Oak (Kayne Kauffman) was angled outside and launched a strong first-up challenge, but provided cover for even money favourite Splended Party (Mike Oosting) who was drafting right behind him. When it looked like the two challengers might swallow up Kiss Of Terror at the head of the stretch the winner found another gear and managed to hold them at bay.
Kiss Of Terror, who was claimed in each of the two preliminary legs of the series, raced for new owner Eric Prevost and trainer Charlie Stewart in the final.
With 14 career wins she now sports $160,000 in lifetime earnings.
A $22,000 Mares Open pace was also featured on the Friday program.
Cast No Shadow (Tyler Smith) upset the elite nine-horse field with a come-from-behind 1:55 tally over Aniston Seelster (Ronnie Wrenn, Jr.) and Safe From Terror (Chris Page). It was the 13th lifetime victory for owner-trainer Millard Adams pride and joy, boosting her total bounty to $242,569.
Smith had Cast No Shadow in second-over position at the half, then swung three-wide at the three-quarter pole. Gradually passing foes around the final bend and through the stretch, the daughter of Shadow Play just got up in the final strides to return a $31.00 win mutuel.
Racing resumes Saturday night at Miami Valley with the $34,500 championship leg for $20,000 claimers on tap as well as a $22,000 Open. Post time is 6:05 p.m.
(Miami Valley)