Kobe’s Gigi circles field in Miami Valley Open

Kobe’s Gigi (Jk Endofanera, John De Long) won the $32,000 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap harness racing pace on Sunday (Jan. 7) at Miami Valley Raceway.

Lee Loo (Tyler Smith) went for the early lead out of the gate. As they reached the opening quarter in :27, Marloe Hanover (Sam Widger) had the lead, leaving Lee Loo in second. From the outside, the 6-5 favorite Intothemysticmoon (Dan Noble) stole the lead, leaving Marloe Hanover in second and Lee Loo in third as they approached the half mile in :55.4.

As they came to the three-quarter mile in 1:24.1, Intothemysticmoon was holding on to the lead. Ainthesamewithoutu (Trace Tetrick) was first-over, moving into second. Marloe Hanover was racing in third, followed by Kobe’s Gigi, who was second-over in fourth.

As they came down the stretch, Kobe’s Gigi moved from the far outside to pass Intothemysticmoon and cross the wire first in 1:52.3. Intothemysticmoon followed a length behind in second and Ainthesamewithoutu finished in third.

KOBE’S GIGI REPLAY

Kobe’s Gigi is a 6-year-old mare trained by Melissa Essig for owners Leander Schwartz and Black And White Stable. She paid $7.80 to win.

Trace Tetrick, Sam Widger, Dan Noble, and Jeremy Smith had driving doubles. Dan O’Mara and Ken Holliday had training doubles.

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

by Nicolle Kain, for Harnesslink