Kiwi-bred wins first Open in U.S.

LEBANON, OH. – Im Offngone N, a New Zealand bred daughter of Somebeachsomewhere, captured her first Open class harness racing victory since arriving on North American soil in 2022.

The six-year-old, imported by owner Greg Luther and trained by his brother Todd, used a ground saving trip along the pylons before finding room on the inside to secure the 1:51.4 score in the Thursday (March 9) $30,000 Mares Open Handicap at Miami Valley Raceway.

Driver Trevor Smith got away second from Im Offngone’s five-hole behind the starting car, behind only Marloe Hanover (Brett Miller).  The opening :26.2 quarter mile was quick, so Smith was content to ride the pocket through middle fractions of :55 and 1:22.4.  With horses fanning out five wide for an exciting stretch drive, Smith was able to find just enough room to sneak by using the shortest route to the triumph.

In The Spotlight N, another recent Down Under newcomer, won the hotly contested battle for second, with Trevor’s older brother Tyler in her sulky.  Marloe Hanover hung on for third.

The winner paid $19.80, the exacta was worth $82.60 and a 50-cent trifecta returned $132.90.

It was the twelfth lifetime tally for Im Offngone N and increased her bounty to $175,830.

 Miami Valley is dark on Fridays and Saturdays, but will resume live racing on Sunday (March 12) at 4 p.m.

For complete race results, click here.

by Gregg Keidel, for Miami Valley Raceway