It has been over three months since driver Jeremy Smith underwent surgery to repair a bothersome shoulder, but he roared back in style on Monday afternoon at Miami Valley Raceway by winning three of his first four drives following his rehabilitation layoff.
In just his second of nine assignments on the day, the 39-year-old red and white clad reinsman guided Docs Bonanza to a 3-3/4 length score in a bottom conditions pace. The 1:53.2 triumph was the first of 2019 for Docs Bonanza and was the best time for the 12-year-old winner in over two years. Mary Dawson owns and trains the son of The Panderosa, who paid $9.20 to win.
Smith’s second tally of the day was a stunner as Virginnaire upset a full field of lower condition pacing mares in 1:55.1, returning $39.40 for a $2 win ticket. It was also the first win in 11 tries for the daughter of Always A Virgin, who is trained by Tony Todd for owner David Finnegan.
Always one to produce handsome payoffs, Jeremy next visited the winner’s circle with J C Onthebeach, who yielded $36.20 to his backers. Daniel Stone conditions the Somebeachsomewhere gelding for the S & S Racing Stable. His 1:52 score in a mid-range condition pace was his third on the year and 42nd in the career of the nine year old gelding.
“I feel great,” exclaimed Smith. “I did everything the doctors asked and my shoulder feels better than it has in years. I’m so thankful that I have a group of loyal trainers and owners who have welcomed me back and trusted me with their horses…I hope I can get on a roll for them!”
Smith is coming off his best year. In 2018, he won 338 races good for $2,990,077 in purses. The career winner of 2,159 races and over $13 million in purses also captured the dash title at Hollywood Dayton Raceway.
(Miami Valley Raceway)