Gutsy first-over move takes $29,000 Open Trot

Kildare King (Trixton) and harness racing driver Trevor Smith used a gutsy first-over move and then held game to the finish in capturing the $29,000 Open Trot at Scioto Downs Friday (Sept. 1).

The 5^th race feature got underway with Tequila Talkin and driver Chris Page clearing to the early lead from post five with race favorite Jujubee (Brett Miller) getting the two-hole trip as they raced to the opening quarter mile in a speedy :26.2.

As they headed to the half mile, Kildare King came first-over from fourth place with Golden Wall AS (Tony Hall) following the outside flow second-over. The half mile went in :55.

Racing down the backstretch, Tequila Talkin remained on the lead, but Kildare King was gaining on the outside in second place at the three-quarters in 1:23.

Around the final turn and Kildare King took over the lead with Golden Wall AS in second place, Tequila Talkin was fading and Jujubee made a break, but recovered quickly.

Coming down the stretch, Kildare King held his lead to the wire, winning by a neck in 1:52.1. Jujubee was able to come on for second place but was placed fourth for his earlier break. Refined (Tyler Smith) was fifth at the top of the stretch and ended up third place second with Golden Wall AS fourth placed third.

KILDARE KING REPLAY

It was the fifth win of the season for Kildare King. The five-year-old gelding is trained by Chris Beaver for owner-breeder Robert Goodman of Kentucky. He paid $6.00 to win.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink