by Miami Valley Raceway
Lebanon, OH — The first of four Feb. “Survivor Series” champions was crowned Sunday afternoon (Feb. 19) at Miami Valley Raceway. A Little Starstruk (Kayne Kauffman) proved to be queen of the elimination style ‘elite series’ for $10,000 claiming mares, triumphing over Ginger Spice N (Brady Galliers) and Fox Valley Pipa (Randy Tharps) in 1:53.3.
Holton photo
A Little Starstruk powered to an open lengths 1:53.3 victory on a sunny Sunday afternoon at Miami Valley capturing the $20,000 championship of a Survivor Series for $10,000 claiming mares.
Kauffman put the winning 6-year-old Well Said mare on the front end early, and save for a very brief give-and-go lead change with Fox Valley Pipa around the :27.4 first quarter-mile marker, A Little Starstruk never had an anxious moment.
Posting comfortable mid-mile fractions of :56.3 and 1:25.1 she had plenty left to post a :28.2 final quarter-mile while opening up daylight on the other eight finalists through the stretch.
Elated owner/trainer Chris McGuire plucked A Little Starstruk via the claim box from the first leg of the claiming series for $12,000 and almost recouped his entire investment in one week with the winner’s share of the $20,000 championship purse.
Miami Valley will be ‘dark’ on Monday (Feb. 20) due to Presidents Day, although simulcast wagering will be available throughout the day and night.
Live racing resumes Tuesday afternoon (Feb. 21) at 2:05 p.m. when a $22,000 Open Trot and a pair of third elimination round races for $5,000 male pacers will share the spotlight.