Betmetowin gets placed first in GLADA Trot

Northfield, Ohio, Betmetowin (Uncle Peter), the 5-to-2 second choice in the betting, inherited the win in harness racing’s Great Lakes Amateur Driving Association’s (GLADA) event at Northfield Park on Saturday night, Match 2.

Though second to the 3 to 5 tote board favorite Wild And Crazy Guy at the wire, the six-year-old gelding benefitted when the latter was “DQ’d” from the top spot after an incident early on bothering Black Hawk Down and a driver’s objection by Eric Miller.

Driver Edward Miller, who also trains and co-owns Betmetowin, gave his charge a heads-up drive from the seven post, finding a spot close up in fourth early before wending his way into contention and kicking home fastest of all to get within 1 3/4 lengths of Wild And Crazy Guy at the finish line in a 1:56.4 mile, benefitting from the judge’s decision to take the winner down.

Dontyousayit, handled by Christina Johnson was moved up to second while Fireworks Flash, with Logan Ebersole in the bike, was moved up a notch to third while Lmc Mass Gem (Braiden Rhoades) and Walter’s Keepsake (Joseph Cramp) also were moved up a notch, as well.

BETMETOWIN REPLAY

Meanwhile, Wild And Crazy Guy, denied the win, also denied amateur driver Larry Ferrari his fifth straight win in GLADA competition dating back to December 30 of last year.

After the race, Miller lamented, “My horse did race very well and got a fortunate ‘break’ with a judge’s decision in which I wasn’t really involved. There might have been a little something going on early up front but it didn’t bother me at all so I guess I was the lucky one benefitting tonight. It’s all part of racing and I’m glad that everyone came out safe. That’s the ultimate thing.”

Miller co-owns Betmetowin with his fiancé Ashley Dunn with the horse earning his first win of the year in five tries to push his career bankroll to $164,055 on the strength of 17 lifetime wins.

The 26-year-old Miller, known, primarily, for his training prowess, also earned his first driving win of the year and 52nd lifetime win in only 199 career starts with a UDRS over .400 in each of the last three seasons.

In savoring the win, Miller joked, “I own Betmetowin with Ashley and, depending on how things go on the track, we plan to get married in October…just not quite sure which year yet!”

GLADA members donate all of their driving earnings for charitable distribution to organizations benefitting racehorse aftercare and new careers as show horses or horses used in therapeutic endeavors, among others.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting Results

by John Berry, for GLADA