Lebanon, OH – Four divisions of an eliminator $6,500 claiming series kicked off tonight, with the top five finishers of each division advancing on to next week.
The first division kicked off the Monday (March 2) night card, with Jimmy L, the heavy (1-9) favorite going gait to wire and winning by six lengths in 1:54.3. Also advancing to next week were Teabythesea, Willydoitagain, Lazy Jane and Giveitatry A.
In the second division, 8-1 shot Threshold, who was parked three wide to the opening quarter, eventually cleared for the lead and was able to hang on for the victory, edging out Drunkonaplace by three quarters of a length in 1:55. Cc Official, Hard Cold Cash and Captain Income also stayed alive by advancing to next week.
In the third division, an evenly matched field battled it out, including tight photos all around, for the win and the final transfer spot as Unlikeanyother used a quarter pole move to take the lead and win by a neck over Armabluechipboy N in 1:55.1. Xenia was third by just a half while Ys Cheddar Wheel finished fourth and Bet Ninteen took the final spot by just a half-length.
In the fourth and final division, Tide Has Turned used a stretch burst to rally from seventh to first in a four horse win photo in 1:54.1. Pepperment Man, who cut the mile, held for second while Southwind Onyx and Sir Lloyd finished third and fourth. The final transfer spot of the night went to Complete Kaos, who held off two other challengers by a length for fifth a trip to next week’s second round.
Next Monday, the twenty advancers will take part in two ten horse $10,000 elims to determine the final ten horses moving on to the $15,000 final on March 16.
Chris Page led all drivers tonight with a grand slam, while David Miller had a triple. Driver/trainer combo Cam and Jess McCown had a natural double sweeping the late double.
Racing action returns Tuesday night with a post time of 4 p.m.