Twilight Bonfire approaching $1 million

LEBANON, OH. – Twilight Bonfire captured the $15,500 Open Handicap pace at Miami Valley Raceway on Saturday night, inching within $6000 of becoming a million dollar earner for owner-breeder Robert J. Key.

The five-year-old stud horse by The Panderosa has made the most of his 64 career starts, winning 14 of them and banking $994,060.

This score was the second in three tries in local open company with the first being a track-record equaling 1:51.1 effort the last day of January.

Twilight Bonfire swept past a host of horses in the stretch for driver Dan Noble collaring runnerup Gareth Nourrir (Josh Sutton) and show finisher Speed Trap (Chris Page) in the final strides of the 1:53 mile. Danny Collins conditions the winner who will join the exclusive 'Millionaires Club' with his next victory.

The second leg of the 'Sovereign Warrior' series for top conditioned pacers was contested in two $9000 divisions. Ideal Race (Chris Page) captured the first division in 1:52.4 besting ER Zach Attack (Tyler Smith) and Winchester's Punch (Randy Tharps). With a win and a second, the Ron Burke-trained winner is the likely morning line favorite for the $18,000 championship next Saturday night.

Ohio-sired Feel N Funk E (Andy Shetler) copped the second division with a 1:53.1 triumph over Ally-Con (Greg Grismore) and Lady's Man (Josh Sutton). George Anthrop trains the winner who could become a $100,000 earner with a score in the series final.

Through 35 nights of the current 89-night meet, Miami Valley's average daily handle is up a healthy 22% over the inaugural season's numbers.

Gregg Keidel