Lebanon, OH — Naked On A Hill used a strong first over move to secure a win in Thursday’s $36,000 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace at Miami Valley Raceway.
Hey Hey Mama fired off the wings of the gate to quickly take the lead as Tarapasta settled in the pocket, Naked On A Hill chased in third, and the rest of the field raced single file as they passed the opening quarter in :27.1. As the field approached the half-mile marker, Hungry Lizzo was aggressively moved into the outer flow from last and quickly gained ground, eventually flushing Naked On A Hill out from third. With the half completed in :56 and the field turning up the backside, the tempo quickened as Hey Hey Mama was now under pressure from Naked On A Hill, who was steadily making up ground outside the leader.
As they passed three-quarters in 1:23, Naked On A Hill took a one-length advantage on the outside, shuffling Hey Hey Mama back to second while Tarapasta slid off the rail from third. As they turned for home, Naked On A Hill had extended her lead to three lengths, and that was all the cushion she needed as she won this one easily by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:50.2, tying her lifetime mark.
Tarapasta held second while a hard charging Foxy Hill finished third.
For Naked On A Hill, it was her fourth win of the year and 25th lifetime win. Her career earnings now stand at just over $480,000. For Miami Valley’s leading trainer, Ron Burke, it was his second winner of the day; his other came with Fast Approach. For driver Chris Page, it was one of four wins on the Thursday card to lead all drivers.
After 11 weeks, the battle for the driving title remains tight between David Miller (100) and Chris Page (97). Luke Hanners (78), Brett Miller (75) and Tyler Smith (52) round out the top five.
On the training side, Ron Burke (47) continues to lead the standings while Virgil Morgan Jr. (40) sits in second. Heather France (34), Steve Carter (30) and Mike Hitchcock (18) round out the top five.
Racing will return to Miami Valley on Sunday (March 22) with a first-race post time of 4 p.m.