Widger sweeps Opens at Miami

LEBANON, OH. – Sam Widger, currently third in the harness racing dash standings at Miami Valley Raceway, had quite a day on Sunday (Feb. 5).

The 59-year-old driver, with over 7,350 wins in his career, scored four wins in the span of five races good for a whopping $44,500 in purse earnings. Included in Widger’s wins were the richest three races on the program.

Big Teddy (Big Jim) stepped up to the plate for his first swing at the $30,000 Open I and he hit it out of the park.

The 5 year old son of Big Jim, a recent acquisition by the Golden Gaits Uso Stable of Columbus, upset Let It Ride N (Dan Noble) and Brookview Bullet (Jordan Ross) in 1:50—a new lifetime record.

It was the 12th win in 49 starts for Big Teddy and boosted his lifetime earnings to over $100,000. Trainer R. J. Murphy has done a masterful job climbing the condition ladder with him since the acquisition.

He got away third in the :26.4 first quarter, sped to the front before the :55 half, then paced an equally quick :55 second half to win by two lengths. Big Teddy paid $29.20 to win.

BIG TEDDY REPLAY

Widger also pulled a mild upset with Big Gulp (Always A Virgin) in the $25,000 Open II Pace, beating Incredible Man (Brandon Bates) and VP Rockin (Brett Miller) in 1:52.3. The 5 year old son of Always A Virgin now sports 25 wins from just 62 starts for owner Jeff Fought Racing and Brian Carsey and trainer Walter Haynes Jr. Widger used a close-up two-hole trip then sprung from the pocket at the head of the lane, paying $9.40.

Somewhereinverona provided Widger with a 1:51 triumph in the highest condition class, a $22,000 event. Todd Luther trains the 5 year old grey son of Somebeachsomewhere for his brother Greg Luther. He beat Saulsbrook Genesis (Chris Page) and Betterrock (Noble).

She’s Magical was Widger’s fourth winner. She won a $12,000 mid-range condition race for owner Maynard Miller and was conditioned by Haynes Jr. It was the third win in last four starts.

Racing resumes Monday (Feb. 6) at 4 p.m.

For complete race results, click here.

From Miami Valley Raceway