From seventh to first for Refined

Using a late closing kick from 7th place at the top of the stretch, Refined just got up at the wire in winning the harness racing $30,000 Open Trot at Eldorado Scioto Downs Friday night.

The 9th race feature saw Winning Shadow and driver Chris Lems overcome post nine and having broken equipment and surge to the lead in :27. He was followed by Flemsteen (Aaron Merriman) in the pocket.

Going to the half mile, Pass The Vape and driver Dan Noble started up first-over, giving outside cover to Kings County (Brett Miller) in :56.1. The position remained the same past the three-quarters in 1:24.3.

Then the action heated up as Refined and driver Mitchell Cushing were in seventh place fourth-over on the final turn, tipped three-wide, and started picking off horses left and right, and then with one final surge to the wire, were able to beat Kings County by a nose in 1:53.3. Flemsteen was third.

REFINED REPLAY

It was the second win this season for Refined. The six-year-old mare by Uncle Peter is trained by Virgil Morgan, Jr. for co-owners Joyce McClelland and Larry Wills. Sent off as the mild 5/2 race favorite, Refined paid $7.00 to win.

Slymar’s Dragon (Dan Noble) took the fillies and mares Open Pace in 1:51.2. Now 3 for 11 in 2022, the Andre Nared trainee has $27,075 earned on the year for owners Lionel Watiker and Dr. Allie Stiegler. Marloe Hanover (Brett Miller) was just a neck behind, finishing second, with Coral Reef Hanover (Brady Galliers) getting up for third.

SLYMAR’S DRAGON REPLAY

After being hit on opening night with five tickets taking home $4,250, Saturday’s Pick 8 went uncovered. The $310 consolation payout was paid out for picking 5 of 8 winners. There will be a $1,240 carryover into the 16 race Saturday card.

For complete race results, click here.

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink