Lebanon, OH – No Foolin April held off all challengers to win Thursday’s (Feb. 5) $36,000 Open Handicap for pacing mares at Miami Valley Raceway.
Leaving from post five, driver Brett Miller and No Foolin April took command and led the field past the opening quarter in :27.2. Finding no room at the inn, a parked out Naked On A Hill had to go the long way around and began pressing on from sixth to end up the lone outside challenger as she closed to within a neck of No Foolin April as they neared the half in :56.1.
As they turned to the backside, Naked On A Hill continued her push to the front, actually taking a one-length lead but not quite clearing No Foolin April, as she got back in gear and closed the gap to just a head as they tripped the three-quarters in 1:23.2. As they exited the final turn, a three-mare matchup appeared as No Foolin April led a tiring Naked On A Hill by a nose while a three-wide Fearless Ginger threw her name in the hat.
Down the stretch, No Foolin April turned away Fearless Ginger and held on for the win in 1:52.3. A traffic-swerving Rose Run Vision snaked her way to a close second while Tarapasta rallied for third. The top three were separated by only a head.
No Foolin April won for the fifth time in her last seven starts, all in Open company, for trainer Adam Short.
Driver Jeremy Smith led everyone with a driving triple on the card. Tyler Smith, Brett Miller, and Luke Hanners each had a double.
David Miller continues to show the way with 45 wins, 15 of which came this week. Chris Page (36), Jeremy Smith (34), Brett Miller (31) and Luke Hanners (25) round out the top five. On the training side, Virgil Morgan Jr. continues his lead with 20 wins. Ron Burke and Heather France remained tied for second with 15 while Steve Carter has 13 wins and Elson Miller and Ken Rucker round out the list with a tie for fifth with eight wins.
Racing action returns on Super Bowl Sunday (Feb. 8) with a special post time of noon.