Race favorite wires field in $34,000 Open

Charted on the lead from start to finish, Art Scaping (American Ideal) and harness racing driver Jeremy Smith were able to capture the $34,000 Open Handicap Pace Thursday (March 7) at Miami Valley Raceway.

The 9^th race feature saw Let It Ride N (Tyler Smith) out early on the lead but coming on the outside was the race favorite, Art Scaping, who had the lead passing the first quarter in :26.

Once cleared to the front, Art Scaping led to the half mile in :54.4 with Artatac A (Dan Noble) coming first-over in third with Let It Ride N sitting the pocket-trip and Bernie (Trace Tetrick) second-over.

They raced in that format down the backstretch with Bernie trying a three-wide move at the three-quarters in 1:22.3.

Into the final turn, Art Scaping held the field at bay and only increased his lead down the stretch, winning with ease by two and one-half lengths in 1:49.4, the last quarter mle in :27.1. Let It Ride N was second with Later Dudes (Chris Page) third.

ART SCAPING REPLAY

It was the third win on the season for Art Scaping. The six-year-old gelding is trained by Tessa Perrin for owner Rodney Long. He paid $4.20 to win.

Jeremy Smith led all drivers on the day with five winners.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting Results

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink