La Belle Riviere won the $30,000 John Konesky III Trot Final Tuesday (June 7) at Eldorado Scioto Downs in 1:56.3.
The three-year-old daughter of Triumphant Caviar out Classical Mary had the perfect pocket trip behind Sandis Commando L (Hank LeVan) through fractions of :28.4, :59.1 and 1:27.4. Going into the last turn Trevor Smith slipped La Belle Riviere out to challenge the leader and posted a :28.2 last quarter to win by one length. The victory was her third straight win in a row, and four out of her last five starts. La Belle Riviere is owned and trained by Chris Beaver for partners Donald Robinson and Steven Zeehandelar.
The John Konesky Trot is one of four divisions for three to five-year-old Ohio-sired non-winners of one with two legs at $13,000 and the $30,000 final. The first final, The Jerry Knappenberger for pacing colts, was won by Party Boy Hill (Mitch Cushing/Virgil Morgan, Jr) in 1:53.1 on Thursday, June 2. The final of the Kevin Greenfield for trotting colts will be on Wednesday, June 8, while the final of the Steve McCoy for pacing fillies will be held on Friday, June 10.
Wednesday’s race card will have two carryovers, including $6,075 for the $1 Pick 8 with a $25,000 guarantee backed by the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association and Scioto Downs. There is also a $532 carryover for the $.50 Player’s Pick 5 (with 14% takeout on new money) which starts in Race 5.
Live harness racing will continue Thursday-Saturday; first post for each live racing day at Scioto Downs is 3:15 p.m, except for Friday (June 10) when first post will be at 3:00 p.m. due to a 17-race card.
(Scioto)