Buckeye Thea regains form

DAYTON, OH. – In her sixth start after a couple months rest, Buckeye Thea captured the $12,000 Fillies & Mares Open pace at Hollywood Dayton Raceway on Friday night (December 11), pushing her 2016 harness racing summary line to 9-6-6 in 39 starts, good for $93,445 in earnings.

Following an unsuccessful first-over bid a week ago, driver Josh Sutton opted for a more conservative approach in this outing–content to get away sixth, moved into second-over position at the half, then swung three-wide just past the three-quarters before throwing a :27.3 final panel to win by over a length in 1:52.3.

Pacesetter Rockin Good (Jared Finn), who didn't clear to the front until past the :26.2 opening quarter, held for second money while Western Empress (Trace Tetrick) closed for the show dough.

Steve Carter trains Buckeye Thea for owner Rich Paltani.

A race earlier, My Hare Lady (Jason Brewer) won a $7500 condition and optional $15,000 claiming event in 1:54, pushing the six-year-old Jereme's Jet mare's lifetime bankroll past the $100,000 plateau.

Claimed by Chris Choros for $8000 a month ago, the winner carried a $15,000 base tag this time out.

She topped Platinum Spirit (Dan Noble) and Ohmybelle (Chris Page) for trainer Jeff Brewer, who has a comfortable lead in the trainer's dash standings with 14 programs remaining in the meet.

Gregg Keidel