The old trotting warrior Not To Be Denied lived up to his name in Friday’s featured $6,500 Open Trot at Scioto Downs as he went gate-to-wire to win
in 1:56 for trainer-driver J.D. Wengerd.
The nine-year-old gelded son of Perfect Spiral put his rivals behind him from the start. Altesse and Jeremy Smith sat in the pocket behind the pacesetter while CJs Super Secret trotted along in third place. In the stretch drive, CJs Super Secret passed Altesse and took aim on the leader, but fell a half-lenth short at the wire.
Not To Be Denied is owned by Bert Hershberger. The win was his second in four starts this season at Scioto. He has also finished second and third in his Scioto starts.
Also on Friday night, Kenna Lyn won the $5,500 Fillies and Mares Open Pace for driver Chris Page. She moved to the lead during the second quarter and never looked back, hitting the wire two and a half lengths ahead of her rivals. Kay Low was second while even-money favourite Ocean Pearl finished third. Kenna Lynn’s winning time was 1:54.3.
Post time at Scioto on Saturday is 5:30 p.m. to accommodate betting on the Belmont Stakes. Several Ohio Sires Stakes are featured on the Saturday evening card.
(Scioto Downs)