Lifetime mark for Aussie import in Open Pace

Australian import Artatac A (Art Major) had little trouble returning to his harness racing winning ways, leading from the opening quarter in capturing the $34,000 Open Handicap Pace Thursday (March 14) at Miami Valley Raceway. His time was a new career record.

The 11^th race feature saw Later Dudes (Chris Page) go out for early control of the field only to be passed by race favorite Artatac A and driver Dan Noble by the first quarter in :26.1.

Artatac A held the field at bay to the half mile in :54.1 as Makin Some Noise (Kurt Sugg) started first-over from third with Art Scaping (Jeremy Smith) following the second-over live cover.

Down the backstretch, Makin Some Noise moved up to second place on the outside as Artatac A continued to lead the way past the three-quarters in 1:20.3, a :26.2 quarter.

Extending his lead to two lengths by the top of the stretch, Artatac A had little trouble holding off his foes, winning by one and one-quarter lengths in 1:48.4. The pocket-sitting Later Dudes was second with Makin Some Noise third.

ARTATAC A REPLAY

It was the third win of the season and a lifetime mark for Artatac A. The seven-year-old gelding is trained by Christi Noble for owners James Morris and Norman Rae Racing. It was his first sub 1:49 victory and he paid $7.80 to win.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting Results

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink