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Oak Grove, Kentucky…June 4, 2024…Harness racing continued at Oak Grove Racing and Gaming on Monday (June 3) with Paperback Thriller (Mystery Chase, $5.44) and Splinter N (Splinter N, $10,44) reaching the winner’s circle in United States Harness Drivers Club (USHDC) action.
But the biggest winner of the afternoon was Redemption Ranch as the USHDC presented that worthy charitable organization with a $1,000 donation to continue their heroic work on behalf of those going through difficult times in their lives.
As USHDC President Dein Spriggs lamented, “This great (501-C3) organization provides such vital work in providing a safe, peaceful environment to those in need and, to compliment this journey for so many in need, it’s done in a fun and encouraging atmosphere, so important in today’s changing world.
“We felt that their work is so worthy of note that we unanimously decided to repeat the contribution of last season.”
Redemption Ranch is just one of many organizations aided by the Club and its members generosity in donating all earnings from these USHDC events, which are earmarked for charitable distribution—to date that being over $320,000.
On the racing side of the ledger, Paperback Thriller was given an attentive drive by Peter Kleinhans to held gamely when it counted to score a photo finish in 1:55.4—the winning margin being a head over the swift closing Pictonian Thunder, driven by Carson Conrad.
Danza finished third with John Mungillo in the bike while Captain Mckee, handled by Jafari Frazier, closed fastest of all to miss the “board” by a nose, Ayr Pioneer GB picked up the nickel for Dein Spriggs.
Leaving from post six, Kleinhans went looking for a spot up closer and found one in fourth, back of Ayr Pioneer, that zipped off the wings and opened up a daylight lead at the first panel in a hot :27.1 with the 83 to 1 longshot Swiss Bank Hanover second and Danza next.
Sensing a breather in the second quarter, Kleinhans sent Paperback Thriller brushing forward and reached alongside the leader half way through the mile in :57.
That’s when things really started to sizzle as Paperback Thriller put the squeeze on Apr Pioneer GB and took charge at the third station in 1:25.3.
Turning for home, Paperback Thriller owned a length lead but Pictorian Thunder found room to roam and these two hit the wire together.
After the race, Kleinhans admitted, “I didn’t think I won and went on my way…only to find out that I DID win. The mare did race a game mile, though, no question there.
PAPERBACK THRILLER REPLAY
For the nine-year-old mare Paperback Thriller, it was her third win in 14 starts this semester, pushing her seasonal earnings to $21,329 and $281,670 lifetime.
In the second USHDC event, Jafari Frazier gave the 12-year-old veteran gelding Sprinter N a heads-up drive, as well, in holding off a spirited White Belly, driven by Trey Brinson, by a half length.
Secret Threat, with Carson Conrad in the bike, came from well back early to finish third while Merito Hanover finished fourth for Tony Dinges after putting in a threatening brush during the third stanza. Major Harley, starting from the second tier, managed to pick up the last check for driver Zyler Maxwell.
In that event, Frazier sent Sprinter N right to the top from the inside post, yielded, briefly, to White Belly, then quickly reclaimed command, got a :29.3 breather, stepped on the gas to thwart a challenge during the third panel with that :28.3 closing kick enough to get to the winner’s circle.
SPLINTER N REPLAY
The winner, also trained by Brinson for owner Elson Miller, sent his 2024 scorecard to 6-2-3 in 15 starts, good for $49,370 and $609,777 lifetime—$390,645 earned here in the U.S.A. after his arrival in 2018. The win was number 58 lifetime for the gallant gelding.
One other note about the event…Zyler Maxwell, having just celebrated his 18th birthday just a few days ago, is the newest member of the USHDC after a three year “internship” on the fair circuit where he compiled an impressive resume with 24 wins in just 86 starts with last year’s “batting average” at .531.
As USHDC President Spriggs said, “It’s great to welcome the young men and women into our club to carry the torch for our great sport!”
For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.
by John Berry, for the USHDC
