Lebanon, OH — After finishing second or third in each of her last six starts, Alexa Skye finally burst through for victory in Thursday’s (Feb. 16) $28,000 Mares Open at Miami Valley.

The daughter of Somebeachsomewhere, owned by Odds On Racing and trained by Virgil Morgan Jr., beat Rose Run Vision (Brad Ferguson) by a neck with favored Im Offngone N (Trevor Smith) a mere half length back.

Driver Tyler Smith left aggressively from post six, only to find himself parked in third at the :26.3 quarter-mile marker. Still second on the outside of Im Offngone N at the :57 midway point, Alexa Skye still had a length to make up with a quarter of a mile to go. The field was tightly bunched all the way down the stretch with the winner edging Rose Run Vision and Im Offngone N.

Alexa Skye captured the $28,000 Mares Open at Miami Valley after a string of six straight second- and third-place finishes. Conrad photo.

It was just the second win for Alexa Skye in 13 starts since the beginning of 2022, although she has banked $72,500 in that span. For her career, Alexa Skye has won $367,469 with 20 triumphs and a 1:49.4 lifetime best.

The $37,500 Claim To Fame championship tilt for $30,000 claimers was co-featured on the program. Brett Miller found room along the cones to sneak Owen through for a 1:53.3 victory over Sunuma Beach (Dan Noble) and Babes Dig Me (Trace Tetrick).

Trainer Jason Brewer claimed Owen on behalf of owner Ameer Najor the week before the series started for $20,000, then proceeded to sweep all three legs and earn $45,000 in quick order.

Tyler Smith was the dominant driver on the day, winning four times. Included in those wins was the aforementioned Mares Open Pace as well as a couple North American debuts — with In The Spotlight N and Kashed Up A — in high conditioned races. Both horses are now trained by Jeff Cullipher, who owns the Down Under star performers with Pollack Racing LLC.

Miami Valley is dark until Sunday (Feb. 19), when it will present 14 live races beginning at 4 p.m. Programs are always available on the track’s website.