Patience paid off for driver Ray Paver as he steered Cmon Blaze to victory in Saturday’s featured $6,500 Open Pace at Scioto Downs.
The five-year-old son of Cambest hit the wire an easy winner in 1:52.4. The victory was just the third in 18 tries this year for Cmon Blaze, but his second consecutive win at Scioto. He had also won earlier in the year in 1:51.4 at The Meadows. Cmon Blaze is owned by Jerry Sommers and John Rhoads, Jr., both of Ohio.
Driver Trent Tharps sent Chip Of Art to the front early in the mile and Paver found a seat on his back with Cmon Blaze. He sat chilly in the pocket as Chip Of Art had to fend off challenges from Torington and War Dancer. Turning into the stretch, Chip Of Art had a solid lead, but then Paver ducked Cmon Blaze into the passing lane and the gelding came alive with pace. He shot up the inside, easily overtook the leader and coasted to victory. In Theory rallied for second while Chip Of Art held for third. Cmon Blaze paid $8.20 to win.
(With files from Scioto Downs)