Sandy Sue beats younger rivals in Open

LEBANON, OH – Sandy Sue (Shark Gesture) is aging like a fine wine.

The 8-year-old mare showed eight younger adversaries how it’s done in Miami Valley’s $30,000 Mares Open Handicap on Thursday (Jan.19), winning in 1:53.3 as the lukewarm harness racing favorite.

Racing against a full field of four-, five- and six-year-old mares at the top of their games, Sandy Sue (Trace Tetrick) benefitted from an advantageous pocket trip to rally past pacesetter She’sonebadmomma (Chris Page) by finding room along the stretch pylons.

Single Girl (Trevor Smith) and Grace Rocks (Dan Noble) also threatened in deep stretch but had to settle for the place and show finishes in the end.

On a day when high winds prevailed at Miami Valley, She’sonebadmomma posted fractions in the feature race of :27.4, :57 and 1:24.3 before faltering to fourth in the final furlong.

SANDY SUE REPLAY

Sandy Sue is owned by the Eleven Star Stable, Bill Boyce and Cassie George.

It was the fourth win on the day for Tetrick, vaulting him back ahead of Brett Miller to the top of the dash standings.  Three of those wins came driving red hot trainer Tyler George’s charges, including Sandy Sue, who paid $6.80 to win.

The Tetrick-George combo also teamed up to win with Machaholic ($5) in a $30,000 claiming pace and Millwood Bonnie N ($7.60) in an $18,000 high conditions distaff pace.  Tetrick also guided winning trotter Team Jesse ($3.60) to victory for trainer Brian Georges.

Miami Valley will be dark on Friday and Saturday, then resumes the normal Sunday through Thursday live racing schedule with post time at 4 p.m. daily.

For complete race results, click here.

From Miami Valley Raceway