Eliza Dushku N sweeps to Open score

LEBANON, OH. – Eliza Dushku N notched her second straight harness racing victory at Miami Valley Raceway on Friday (Jan. 10), moving successfully into Open Mares company for the first time.

Driver LeWayne Miller had to be pleased when he saw the opening timer flash :26.2 while sitting fifth in the early going over a sloppy, but firm, racing strip. As the weekly feature for distaffers neared the half mile pole, Miller moved the winner into second-over position but still had four foes to pass. Advancing one spot to fourth on the outside at the 1:23.2 third stanza, Eliza Dushku N saved her best work for last.

Swinging three-wide at the head of the lane the 7-year-old daughter of Bettor's Delight wore down pacesetter Newsday (Tyler Smith) and fellow closer Colorful Sky (Sam Widger) to complete her 1:53.2 triumph.

The John Ackley trainee, who races for the CT Stables LLC, paid $13.80 to win. Coupled with Colorful Sky, the exacta was worth $87.60, while the 50-cent trifecta including Newsday paid $180.20.

The first leg of the Claim To Fame Series for $20,000 claiming mares split into two divisions and Ron Burke stablemates Danikova and Johns Baby Girl stole the show, with driver Chris Page sitting behind both winners. Danikova topped Model (Trevor Smith) and favored Atlantic Star (Aaron Merriman) in 1:55 in the first division.

Johns Baby Girl bested Part Time Hanover (Jason Brewer) and Velocity Lana (Jeremy Smith) in 1:54.2 in the second split, but the winner will be racing for new trainer Michael Hitchcock in the second leg via the claim box.

Four divisions of $12,500 horses and geldings also got their Claim To Fame series underway on Friday night. Six other Claim To Fame classes will get underway over the next four days of racing at Miami Valley.

From Miami Valley Raceway