Gem Quality went gate-to-wire to win the featured $49,315 Horses & Geldings Open Handicap Pace in dominant fashion on Sunday, March 15 at Miami Valley Raceway.
Leaving from post three, the 9-2 second choice was fired off the wings by Luke Hanners as the field settled in behind him past an opening quarter of :26.2. He went into first turn, facing the heavy, gusting winds that played havoc with fractional times, and led the field past the stands for the first time. As they approached the half-mile turn, 1-2 favourite Little Rocket Man (David Miller) pulled first-over from fourth, towing with him Revolt (Luke Ebersole) and Rock The Hill (Brett Miller).
As they passed the half in :55.4 and turned up the backside, wind at their backs, Gem Quality stepped on the gas and started to open up as Rose Run Zane (Austin Hanners) did his best to stay in touch but started to lose ground as they neared three-quarters. Little Rocket Man's first-over bid stalled, as he never got closer than three lengths while Gem Quality laid down a :26.2 third quarter, reaching the penultimate station in 1:22.1. Gem Quality opened up further on Rose Run Zane and Little Rocket on the final turn and cruised to a 2-1/2-length victory in 1:50.3. Rose Run Zane finished second while Little Rocket Man came home third.
Gem Quality recorded his third win of the year in eight starts and 17th overall in 57 appearances. He defeated Open company for the fourth time, with his previous win at that level in an Open II on Jan. 18 at Miami Valley. The five-year-old Captain Crunch-Twinkle stallion has recently found his form after missing the board in three straight starts in February; he finished second in the Open two weeks ago and won a conditioned event last out. Virgil Morgan Jr. trains him for owner CT Stables of Washington Court House, Ohio. He paid $11.20 to win.
Brett Miller, Trevor Smith and Luke Hanners each had a driving triple on the 14-race card while trainer Adam Short had a double.
Racing action returns to Miami Valley on Monday afternoon, with a scheduled post time of 4 p.m.
(Miami Valley Raceway)