by Dean A. Hoffman, for Scioto Downs
Columbus, OH — In an official workout before the races on Friday (September 2) at Scioto Downs, Go Tapaigh just needed a satisfactory performance line for an upcoming race, but he got a lot more than that.
Dean A. Hoffman photo
Go Tapaigh trotted to a track record of 1:56.4 at Scioto Downs.
The 2-year-old gelded son of Andover Hall-Armbro Gaelic trotted in 1:56.4, lowering the track standard for freshman trotting geldings that had stood for a decade. It’s also the fastest trotting mile ever by a 2-year-old at the central Ohio track. The former track record for 2-year-old trotters at Scioto was 1:57.2, set by the filly Rose Run Keepsake in 2008.
Chip Noble drove the colt for trainer Danny Collins and owner Wayne Zollars of Mt. Vernon, Ohio. The youngster started behind the gate and trotted through fractions of :29.1, :59, 1:28, and home comfortably in 1:56.4.
Go Tapaigh is a half-brother to the noted international star Wesgate Crown 5,1:52.3 ($2,574,045).
He has won three times in five starts this season, including a 1:57.4 score at The Meadows in Pennsylvania Sires Stakes competition. He broke stride in races at Pocono Downs and Harrah’s Chester in August, so he was placed in a qualifier at Scioto on Tuesday. He once again broke stride and used the official workout to acquire a line without a break.
Bettors at Scioto Downs felt that Can’t Lose would make good on his name in Friday’s Open Trot and he was sent off as the odds-on favorite. The 4-year-old son of Cantab Hall led all the way to trip the timer in 1:56.3.
Trainer Ty Van Rhoden was in the bike behind Can’t Lose, who is owned by Thomas Stubbs of Alledonia, Ohio. It was his seventh win in 13 starts this season. His victory took a tick off his lifetime mark.
Can’t Lose was trailed in the early stages by CJ’s Super Secret and SJ’s Caliente, but during the third quarter driver Chip Noble moved the 3-2 second choice ML Cupcake into contention. The sophomore filly was no match for Can’t Lose in the final quarter and was 2-1/4 lengths back at the wire. CJ’s Super Secret held for third for driver Trent Tharps.
In the Billings Amateur Trot, Ilooklikerudy scored in 1:59 for driver Michelle Ruvola over Eye On The Prize (Bob Troyer) and Done Dreamen (Bud Hatfield).