The Bettors Delight mare Tu Sei Bella paid $111.20 in winning the fastest of two Filly and Mare Open Paces at Scioto Downs on Friday night.
Both were contested for $15,000 and both winners were trained by Jim Arledge Jr.
Tu Sei Bella started from post nine for driver Kayne Kauffman and she was the longest shot on the board as the bettors loaded up on Kenna Lynn, the 3-2 favourite. Kauffman left the gate alertly with Tu Sei Bella and slipped her in behind pacesetting Lavish Liz as she cut fractions of :27.2, :56.1, and 1:24.3. When Lavish Liz broke stride in the homestretch, Kauffman and Tu Sei Bella were home free, winning in 1:53.1 by two and a quarter lengths. Kenna Lynn was never a factor in the race. Ocean Pearl was second and C R Hope was third.
Arledge trains the winner for Bella, Ltd. of Ohio. The win was her third in 20 starts this season.
In the other feature for fillies and mares, the even-money favourite The Rainmaker got home first in 1:54 for driver Dan Noble.
The Rainmaker started from post 10 in the second tier and was in the front wave of challenges as Caris True left fast from the rail and carried The Rainmaker into contention. Caris True set all the fractions, and led into the stretch, but couldn’t withstand the late rush from The Rainmaker. She scored by a one and a quarter length margin over Mi Amada and Caribean Cruise. Caris True faded to fifth.
Arledge trains the eight-year-old mare for owner Charles Stein of Ohio.
Leading driver Chris Page had a driving triple on Friday night, as did Kayne Kauffman. Dan Noble and Kyle Ater both had driving doubles.
(Scioto Downs)