Yacht Week's upset in the final Open Handicap Pace of the 2021 Miami Valley meet was the centrepiece of a five-win performance from driver Aaron Merriman on Saturday (May 1).
The five-year-old son of Somebeachsomewhere topped American Firewater (Brett Miller) and Havefaithinme N (Dan Noble) in 1:50.3, a new lifetime mark. Larry Finn conditions Yacht Week, who returned $23.60 to his backers, for owners Brian Witt and Chad Slone.
The special Kentucky Derby Day program opened with a $20,000 Open II Handicap, which was won by Wild Bill (Merriman) in 1:50.4. The six-year-old winner, also a son of Somebeachsomewhere, topped Great Vintage (Miller) and Snowmoon (Tyler Smith) for his ninth career victory. Kris Hinchcliff trains Wild Bill for owners Hinchcliff Racing, RTK Racing and Bret Greiner.
Merriman also won three of the eight Buckeye Stallion Series races on the Saturday card, giving him five winners on the day.
The four Buckeye Stallion filly trot winners were Irish Princess (Merriman, 1:58, $2.60, trainer Chris Beaver), Sewin Sue (Chris Page, 1:57.2, $2.60, Ron Burke), Fanciful Invention (Merriman, 1:57.3, $12.80, Beaver) and Jogging Sweets (Kurt Sugg, 1:56.4, $7.80, Edward Miller).
On the pacing side, Buckeye Stallion winners were Finesse (Page, 1:54.3, $4.00, Kent Sherman), Pompatuse Of Love (Kayne Kauffman, 1:54.1, $30,80, Kim Dailey), Diamond Official (Hunter Myers, 1:54.1, $9, Trent Stohler) and Pal O Mine Hanover (Merriman, 1:54.3, $4.80, Terry Hall).
The final two programs of the 2021 Miami Valley season, featuring first-leg Ohio Sires Stakes action for the state’s best three-year-olds, will take place Sunday (May 2) and Monday (May 3) with 2:05 p.m. post times on both days.
(Miami Valley Raceway)