Kenna Lyn beat the best pacing mares at Scioto Downs on Friday night with a 1:55 victory in the Fillies and Mares Open
. She was driven by Chris Page, leading driver of the 2012 season.
Niabunny and driver Ray Paver shot to the front soon after the start and was on top as they posted fractions of :27.2, :57.3, and 1:26.1. Page had Kenna Lyn at the back of the pack and then followed favourite C R Hope when Kyle Ater moved her during the third quarter. Entering the stretch, Kenna Lyn was still fourth, but she took dead aim on the pacesetter. At the wire, Kenna Lyn thrust her neck in front with a final quarter in :28-seconds. Second in the mile was CR Hope with Niabunny third.
The win was first in two starts this season for the Virgil Morgan-trained pacing lass, owned by William and Tamara Elzroth. The daughter of Western Hanover paid $13.40.
In the co-featured Open Trot II, ML Cupcake scored her first win in eight starts this season in 1:57.3 with Chip Noble in the sulky. The Master Lavec filly defeated Lima Lucky and Not To Be Denied.
Cant Lose and driver Ty Rhoden left fastest along with Not To Denied. Noble had ML Cupcake in the caboose of the six-horse field until the half-mile marker, then began to move her. She went three-wide at the three-quarter pole to take command. She drew off easily in the stretch to win by four and a half lengths.
The winner is trained by Scott Mogan for owners Doug Millard of Woodstock, Ont. and Ohio's William Johnson II. She paid $3.20 to win.
(With files from Scioto Downs)