Tetrick sweeps trio of “Claim To Fame” series races

LEBANON, OH. – Three harness racing divisions of “Claim To Fame” series races for $8000 claimers went postward at Miami Valley on Wednesday (Jan. 12).  When the dust settled driver Trace Tetrick had handled the lines of all three winners for three different trainers.  All three winners were among the ten hopefuls claimed during first leg action, so it remains to be seen who Tetrick will be behind in second round action next week.

Crafty Ace (United Ace) copped the first split in 1:56.1, topping K’s Boy (Jeremy Smith) and Mach Diesel (Josh Sutton).  Trainer Chris Short readied the winner for owners Matthew Morrison and Neil Balcerak.

Overlord (Dragon Again) won the second split in 1:55.4, besting Every Play Counts (Tony Hall) and Autotune Hanover (Tyler Smith).  The winner broke an 0-for-43 losing streak with a victory in a $10,000 claimer on Sunday, but owner-trainer Cole Fitzwater had little hope of holding on to Overlord as there were nine separate claims entered on the class dropper.

In the final split, Tetrick guided Trail By Fire (World Of Rocknroll) to a 1:54.4 score over Brigadierbronski A (Jeremy Smith) and Archetto Hanover (Brandon Bates).  Trainer Charlie Stewart claimed the winner for $8000 for his wife Angela just last week, but only was able to get one winning race with him.

In the second leg of the series, all horses will carry 30%-enhanced claiming tags.  There will be no claiming in the $22,500 championship tilt on Jan. 26.