Around the track..Miami Valley Gaming & Racing

In the Race Office…… Veteran race maker Gregg Keidel assures no shortage of horses entering Miami Valley’s third harness racing season.  For the third year in a row, Miami Valley will be offering record level purses.  Keidel reiterates, “the infusion of VLT purse support has turned Miami Valley into one of the premier Standardbred racing opportunities in North America.  A 30% purse increase over prior year is a great mechanism to attract quality.  The southwest Ohio track predicts not only record purses, but also heightened quality of racing posting record times.

On the track…….

Trackman, Jimmy Shelton joins the MVG team supported by Jeff King.  Jimmy comments, "people from the region are genuinely excited about the start of MVG's meet and I am thrilled to be a part of it."  Shelton, a proven driver and trainer himself is a credible addition to the MVG racing team.  Helen Carlo comments, "it is unique to have a trackman who speaks the language and relates first hand to feedback from drivers, trainers and horses.  Jimmy brings horse sense to the position and our horsemen will appreciate his character in addition to the level of seriousness which Jimmy and Jeff take their responsibilities."  The track has undergone recent preventive maintenance under Jimmy's supervision.  Four inches of top dressing has been removed one inch above base and top dressed with more pervious grade of stone.  Shelton remarks, "this material offers more versatility in freeze/thaw environments and will prove itself at the timer."  Trainers and drivers can look forward to a safe and lively raceway throughout the meet.

In the booth…….

The Wizard and Barry stand ready to share their expert analysis of the race card to help you form your own opinions.  Miami Valley’s pre-race show airs at 1:35 on Sunday; Monday and Tuesday and 5:35 on Friday and Saturday.  Tune into the show to improve your changes for a profitable day by making your money smarter. 

At the window…….

New wagering opportunities await including the addition of rolling daily doubles on races one through seven, a 50-cent Lucky Pick 5 (with an industry low 12% takeout) beginning on race eight and a 10-cent Buckeye Hi-5 on the twelfth.  The latter two new wagers have carry over provisions until a winning ticket is sold which potentially creates rewarding jackpot pools which attract new interests.  The Lucky Pick 5 cascades into Pick 4 and Pick 3 opportunities as well.

Helen Carlo