Carols Comet won the last $20,000 Open Pace at Scioto Downs Racino in 2013 on Saturday by a nose in 1:50.2.
The hard-luck gelding finished second the last three starts at the track, but this week driver Aaron Merriman had a different strategy to make the outcome different, and make his way to the winner’s circle.
“I thought I was in the position last week to get the trip and they told me he really didn’t like the passing lane,” said Merriman. “I opted to go to the outside so I think I cost myself the race with the drive. Today, up in the passing lane the horse really appreciated it, the shorter trip around the track.”
Sitting the pocket, Merriman waited patiently during the first three-quarters that went in :26.3, :55.2 and 1:22.
“He’s very nice, a Cadillac to race,” Merriman continued. “He really wants to go so that really makes it nice. He’s very good gated and good behind the gate.”
Audreys Dream (Tony Hall) got up for second while Special Forces (Chris Page) held on for third after cutting the mile.
Previous to the evening’s races, Carols Comet had made 16 starts and had three wins with eight seconds and one third making $77,275 just this year racing exclusively at Scioto for Delaware, Ohio based trainer Ron Potter.
The striking four-year-old son of Yankee Cruiser out of the Jennas Beach Boy mare Modern Medicine is owned by Martin Presser, Bill Moore, Matthew Moore and Whiskey Tango Stable (Dawn Hornsby, Dawn Potter and Kimberly Rowe).
The evening’s race card also held two divisions of the “Best of the Rest,” which was open to horses paid into the Sire Stakes but were not eligible for the $150,000 last week.
Majesty Dream (Chip Chip Hooray-Donna Ls Hope) and Kayne Kauffman took the two-year-old trotting filly division in 2:00.4. Trained by Jim Arledge Jr. for owners Up Front Racing LLC (Ed Mullinax) and Thomas York Jr., she is now set to race in the Ohio Breeders Championship at Delaware on Sept. 17.
The three-year-old colt pace was the only other division to fill and was won by Dusto and Kauffman in 1:55.1. The time was a new lifetime mark for the Stand Forever-Doctor Cindy colt, who now has $82,540 in career earnings for owner/trainer William Hartman and co-owner Saundra Andre.
Even though the live racing season is over at Scioto, the racetrack will still be open for simulcasting from noon to midnight. Racing will resume in May 2014, dependent on approval from the Ohio State Racing Commission.
(With files from Scioto Downs)