Alexa Skye has been knocking on the door for six straight starts, with three-place finishes and three show finishes, and finally burst through on Thursday in the $28,000 Mares Open at
The daughter of Somebeachsomewhere, owned by Odds On Racing and trained by Virgil Morgan Jr., beat Rose Run Vision (Brad Ferguson) by a neck with favoured Im Offngone N (Trevor Smith) a mere half-length back.
Tyler Smith left aggressively from the six slot behind the gate only to find himself parked in third at the :26.3 quarter-mile marker. Still second on the outside of Im Offngone N at the :57 midway point, Alexa Skye still had a length to make up with a quarter of a mile to go. The field was tightly bunched all the way down the stretch with the winner edging Rose Run Vision and Im Offngone N.
It was just the second win in 13 starts in 2022-23, although she has banked $72,500 in that span. Career-wise, Alexa Skye has won $367,469 with 20 triumphs and a 1:49.4 lifetime best.
A $37,500 Claim To Fame championship tilt for $30,000 claimers was co-featured on the program. Brett Miller found room along the cones to sneak Owen through for a 1:53.3 victory over
Trainer Jason Brewer claimed Owen on behalf of owner Ameer Najor the week before the series started for $20,000, then proceeded to sweep all three legs and earn $45,000 in quick order.
Tyler Smith was a dominant driver on the day, winning four times. The aforementioned Mares Open Pace was included in those wins as well as a couple North American debuts with In The Spotlight N and Kashed Up A in high conditioned races. Both horses are now trained by Jeff Cullipher, who owns the Down Under star performers with Pollack Racing LLC.
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