Ohoka Chopper N mows down foes in Oak Grove Open

OAK GROVE, KY — Electric fractions on the lead readied Erv Miller trainee Ohoka Chopper N (Christian Cullen) for a final-quarter blitz and driver John MacDonald came barrelling with the 8-year-old gelding down the near side to snag the $28,000 Open Pace at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on Sunday afternoon (June 4).

Dalby Hanover (driven by Tyler Shehan) darted for the front with Rock It Out (Devon Tharps) pushing forward wide of This Kit Rocks (Joey Putnam) towards a :25.2 first quarter. Rock It Out cleared control into the lane first time, but Shehan soon swung Dalby Hanover back outside to reclaim control after a :53.3 half as the backfield began marching.

This Kit Rocks started floating off the pylons and soon led the two-wide charge up the backstretch with 9-5 favorite Im Sir Blake A (Atlee Bender) perched second over and Ohoka Chopper N third over to three-quarters in 1:21.1. Dalby Hanover clung to command off the corner before eventually tiring while This Kit Rocks came powering outside, Im Sir Blake A swung wide and his stablemate Ohoka Chopper N came with explosive fervor widest of all. MacDonald straightened Ohoka Chopper N in the lane and blew by everyone to win by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:49.2. This Kit Rocks held second from Im Sir Blake A in third and Dalby Hanover settled for fourth.

Ohoka Chopper N won his 17th race from 82 starts and has now banked $133,721. He races for owners Ervin Miller Stable Inc., Douglas Overhiser and Jamie Durnberger-Smith and paid $7.34 to win.

Jeff Cullipher led all trainers with three victories on the 10-race card. His wins came with Gray Dragon (1:53.3 winning mile; $2.94 to win), Caviart Lotus (1:51.1; $6.66) and Angelonia (1:54.3; $3.44).

For complete race results, click here.

by Oak Grove Racing Media