Another upset score for Big City Pearl

LEBANON, OH – Overlooked in the betting due to the presence of four foes with over $100,000 each in earnings over the past year, Big City Pearl captured the $30,000 Open Trot at Miami Valley on Monday at odds of 10-1.

The four-year-old daughter of Chapter Seven was even longer odds (48-1) when she won the same race a week ago. Not only did Big City Pearl win, but fellow mares Refined (Mitch Cushing), Delilah Seelster (Trace Tetrick) and Country Girl Charm (LeWayne Miller) finished second, fourth and fifth versus some of the finest male trotters in the Midwest.

Brett Miller was in the sulky for this triumph because trainer LeWayne Miller had an entry in the race. The well-respected catch driver made a bold first over move to challenge pacesetter Refined down the backstretch and the two raced on even terms all the way around the final bend.

Big City Pearl sustained her momentum through the stretch to secure the win in 1:54.2, one-fifth of a second better than her initial Open victory last week. Second choice Refined hung on for second, while Pass The Vape (Trevor Smith) raced gamely to secure the show spot.

Even money favorite Jeffery P (Chris Page), handicapped to the far outside on the merits of a current six race win streak at The Meadows, wasn’t able to overcome the handicap and finished seventh.

The first leg of a Claim To Fame Series for $20,000 mares also went post ward in two divisions. Atlantic Star (Trace Tetrick) won the first split over I Choose You (Jeremy Smith) and Topville Angelina (Tyler Smith). A recent winner of a similar series for $12,500 distaff pacer, Atlantic Star won for the fourth time in five 2022 starts. Luis Ramirez has been the owner-trainer of the six-year-old Cheyenne Rei lass, but she’ll make her next start from the Walter Haynes Jr. barn after a successful claim.

Chase You (Tetrick) beat Always Be Lucy (Jeremy Smith) and Passionate Deo (Dan Noble) in the second division for trainer Tyler George and a quartet of Illinois owners. The six-year-old daughter of American Ideal was also claimed and will make her next start for trainer Charlie Stewart.

Racing resumes Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons at Miami Valley with a standard 4:05 p.m. post time.