Big Teddy and driver Sam Widger stepped up to the plate for his first swing at the $30,000 Open I and he hit it out of the park on Sunday night (Feb. 5) at Miami Valley Raceway.
The five-year-old son of Big Jim, a recent acquisition by the Golden Gaits Uso Stable of Columbus, upset Let It Ride N and Brookview Bullet in 1:50 — a lifetime record. He got away third in the :26.4 first quarter, sped to the front before the :55 half, then paced an equally quick :55 second half to win by two lengths. It was the 12th win in 49 starts for Big Teddy and boosted his lifetime earnings to $120,881. Trainer R. J. Murphy has done a masterful job climbing the condition ladder with him since the acquisition. Big Teddy paid $29.20 to win.
Sam Widger also pulled a mild upset with Big Gulp in the $25,000 Open II Pace, beating Incredible Man and VP Rockin in 1:52.3. The five-year-old son of Always A Virgin now sports 25 wins from just 62 starts for owner Jeff Fought Racing and Brian Carsey and trainer Walter Haynes Jr. Widger used a close-up two-hole trip then sprung from the pocket at the head of the lane, paying $9.40.
Somewhereinverona provided Widger with a 1:51 win in the highest condition class, a $22,000 event. Todd Luther trains the five-year-old grey son of Somebeachsomewhere for his brother Greg Luther. He beat Saulsbrook Genesis and Betterrock.
Racing resumes Monday (Feb. 6) at 4 p.m. (EST).
(Miami Valley Raceway)