Northfield, Ohio — After two late scratches five trotters went to post in a $9,200 Great Lakes Amateur Drivers Association trot at Northfield Park on Saturday night, (Jan.1) and when the harness racing judges posted the official sign, Lauren Harmon had guided her own Emerald Chip to a 1:58.2 victory.
When the gate sprung Bill Rhodes sent Infrontandforgetit to the lead and played hardball with Ms Harmon keeping her Emerald Chip on the limb, a place where she raced until the top of the lane when her trotter took command and rambled home an easy 4-1/4 length winner.
Obviously, two-horse position wasn’t bad since the track was firmer there and Ms Harmon wasn’t bothered by being parked out.
When the leaders zipped by the three quarters Emerald Chip and Infrontandforgetit were heads apart but once they straightened for home Emerald Chip cleared his competition and began to open daylight and cruised home all alone in a creditable 1:58.2 over the soggy racetrack.
In the deep stretch, second choice in the wagering Kinda Cool Lady rallied to finish second for Eddie Miller while Infrontandandforgetit faded and finished third.
EMERALD CHIP REPLAY
The winner, a 9-year-old Chip Chip Hooray gelding, is also owned and trained by Ms Harmon. Sent off as the favorite in the race Emerald Chip paid $4.20.
For full race results, click here.
by John Manzi, for GLADA