Making the final start of his career, 11-year-old pacer Screamin Seaman A left the track a winner, claiming the $20,000 Survivor Series Championship for $5,000 claiming pacers on Tuesday, Feb. 27 at Miami Valley Raceway.
Screamin Seaman A, the oldest and the richest of the ten finalists, went gate-to-wire in 1:54.4 for driver Tyler Smith and owner-trainer Cole Fitzwater. The Australian-born son of Armbro Operative barely advanced through the trio of preliminary eliminations, due largely to consecutive outside post position draws.
Starting from the rail, Screamin Seaman A seated a pair of leavers through a :27.4 opening quarter and led the field through subsequent middle fractions of :57.1 and 1:25.3 before tacking on a :29.1 final panel to win by open lengths. Screamin Seaman A ended his career with 28 victories and $348,890 in earnings. He paid $11.80 to win.
Longshot Crown Isle took advantage of a mile-long pocket ride to finish second while Maserati Seelster rallied to grab third.
Miami Valley employees and horsemen congratulated Cole Fitzwater for his series championship; and said “thanks for the memories” to Screamin Seaman A for providing so many thrills during a long and illustrious career.
(With files from Miami Valley)