Lebanon, OH — Black Velvet As won Tuesday’s (April 28) $21,000 conditioned trotting feature at Miami Valley Raceway.
Before the wings of the gate folded, even-money favorite Country Victory broke stride. From post 1, Black Velvet As and Chris Page left alertly to protect early position as Tally The Tab left to her outside with Calculated Concept three-wide into the turn. As they rolled through the first turn, Tally The Tab cleared with Calculated Concept pressing on and taking command as they passed the quarter in :28.1. With Calculated Concept loose by 4 lengths on the front, Black Velvet As pulled from third to go around the gapping Tally The Tab and settle into the pocket. The field moved single file, although strung out, to the half in :56.2.
As they turned up the backside, Calculated Concept continued to lead by 3-1/2 lengths over Black Velvet As, with Tally The Tab in third and a first-up Volstarita alone and on the outside. As they neared the three-quarters, Black Velvet As got in gear and closed the gap, striding up to the outside of Calculated Concept with Volstarita in tow and Tally The Tab in a gapped pocket. Three-quarters came and went in 1:25, and the battle was now on for the lead as Black Velvet As closed in by a neck with the whole field tightening up. Into the stretch, Black Velvet As powered up to take the lead and win by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:53.4. Calculated Concept held for second while Nelli Up rallied up the rail for third.
For the Anette Lorentzon-trained Black Velvet As, it was her eighth lifetime win, and it lifted her career earnings to just over $300,000.
David Miller, Trevor Smith and Austin Hanners led the way with three wins each on the Tuesday card. Tyler Smith and Chris Page each had two winners on the program.
Racing at Miami Valley will continue on Wednesday (April 29) with a post time of 4 p.m.