Favoured Keystone Eureka bested Anthem and Coconut Beach to win Friday’s final of the Herb Coven, Jr. Memorial Series at Miami Valley. Her 1:52 clocking was a new lifetime best for the four-year-old Somebeachsomewhere mare owned by Miller Racing Stable and trained by Ryan Miller.
Trace Tetrick, Miami Valley’s leading driver by a wide margin, got away third during the opening :27.2 panel, then moved first up on the outside prior to the :55.1 midway point. Still second at the 1:23 third quarter station, Keystone Eureka was able to collar pacesetting Anthem halfway down the stretch and secure the Coven championship. Anthem did hold second with Coconut Beach a fast-closing third.
The Coven featured distaff pacers who were non-winners of four races or $40,000 at the series start. Next stop for Keystone Eureka is the Dr. Don Mossbarger Memorial for non-winners of six or $60,000, which starts next Friday.
The weekly $22,000 Mares Open was also featured and a familiar face found the winner’s circle after a five-week absence. Pace Baby Pace (Chris Page) took full advantage of a pocket ride until coming out of the final turn and swept to a convincing triumph in 1:52.2. Mildrix (Josh Sutton) and Bettors Up (LeWayne Miller) put in huge efforts to garner the place and show dollars.
Burke Racing and Weaver Bruscemi own Pace Baby Pace, who sports a wide white blaze on her familiar face. She is named after notable Miami Valley handicapper Pacey Mindlin’s signature slogan.
The Saturday (March 13) card at Miami Valley features a $22,000 Open Pace as well as the $27,500 championship leg of the George Williams Memorial Series. Post time is 4:05 p.m.
(Miami Valley Raceway)