The first of four February “Survivor Series” champions was crowned Sunday afternoon (February 19) at Miami Valley Raceway.
A Little Starstruk (Kayne Kauffman) proved to be queen of the elimination style ‘elite series’ for $10,000 claiming mares, triumphing over Ginger Spice N (Brady Galliers) and Fox Valley Pipa (Randy Tharps) in 1:53.3.
Kauffman put the winning six-year-old Well Said mare on the front end early, and save for a very brief give-and-go lead change with Fox Valley Pipa around the :27.4 first quarter-mile marker, A Little Starstruk never had an anxious moment. Posting comfortable mid-mile fractions of :56.3 and 1:25.1, she had plenty left to post a :28.2 final quarter while opening up daylight on the other eight finalists through the stretch.
Elated owner/trainer Chris McGuire plucked A Little Starstruk via the claim box from the first leg of the claiming series for $12,000 and almost recouped his entire investment in one week with the winner’s share of the $20,000 championship purse.
Miami Valley will be ‘dark’ on Monday (February 20) due to Presidents Day, although simulcast wagering will be available throughout the day and night. Live racing resumes Tuesday afternoon at 2:05 p.m. when a $22,000 Open Trot and a pair of third elimination round races for $5,000 male pacers will share the spotlight.
(Miami Valley Raceway)