The Greg Luther Stable enjoyed quite a day on Thursday (April 13) at Miami Valley Raceway. He entered horses, trained by his brother Todd, in the three highest weekly conditions for pacing mares—and all three visited the winner’s circle.
Most impressive of the trio was Im Offngone N (Trevor Smith), a daughter of Somebeachsomewhere, who won the $27,000 Mares Open in 1:50, the quickest mile by a female in the current 2023 meet at Miami Valley. Dispatched at 10-1, the New Zealand bred six-year-old narrowly nipped Velocity Lady (Brady Galliers) and Trick Of The Light (Chris Page) in a thrilling photo finish with all three mares timed in 1:50 flat.
Im Offngone N raced sixth in the seven horse field during the first half, moved up to fifth on the limb at the three-quarters, then mustered the quickest final panel (:27.2) to reach the finish line with a nose in front. It was the fourth win of the season, the second facing Open company, and increased the winner’s earnings to $47,920 in 2023.
Trevor Smith was in the sulky behind all three of the Luther Stable winners. He also won with Asante Sana A, this one an Australian bred six-year-old by Courage Under Fire. She topped Lady Angel (Trace Tetrick) and Mary Kat (Page) in 1:50.3 for her second win of the year. The winner’s share of the $18,000 purse for high conditions mares brought her career bounty within $600 of $100,000. Smith made a quarter move to the top and cruised to a one length victory.
Northern Storm was the Luther-Smith’s third winner in a $16,000 condition race, as a 27-1 longshot. The five-year-old McArdle mare beat heavily favoured Lee Loo (Brett Miller) and Shadows Dancers (Jeremy Smith) in 1:51.3. Northern Storm is also approaching the $100,000 earnings plateau.
Racing resumes on Sunday afternoon (April 16) at Miami Valley, with the customary 4 p.m. post time.
(Miami Valley)