by Dean A. Hoffman, for Scioto Downs

Columbus, OH — Driver Kayne Kauffman swung Crossthreaded three-wide with a quarter-mile remaining in the $16,500 Ohio Breeders Stakes and the filly paced on to a hard-won 1:53.4 victory at Scioto Downs on Sunday afternoon (July 31).

It was her second win in eight starts this season and the time was a new lifetime mark for the daughter of Towner’s Big Guy.

“We’ve kind of been waiting on her this year,” said Kauffman in the winner’s circle after the victory.

Dean A. Hoffman photo

Crossthreaded (#1) wears down Caris True (#7) before the wire in the $16,500 Ohio Breeders Stakes at Scioto Downs on Sunday.

Even-money favorite Caris True left like a rocket from post eight to get the lead as the field reached the first quarter in :27.2. Kauffman had Crossthreaded, who was the 2-1 second choice, back in fifth place.

When the tempo slowed in the second quarter, Kauffman eased his filly out and picked up cover from 76-1 shot Roseann Ken Win. When Roseann Ken Win stalled, Kauffman knew he had to send his filly around her if he had any hope of catching the pacesetting Caris True.

“That filly has been tough all year, so I knew she wouldn’t be easy to get by,” said Kauffman.

Crossthreaded edged ahead of Caris True in the stretch and was a half-length ahead when they reached the wire. Ocean Pearl closed quickly on the inside to claim third place.

Crossthreaded is trained by Jim Mulinix who owns her in partnership with Jamie Buehrer. Her only previous victory this season came in an Ohio Sires Stakes at Scioto.

Crossthreaded was one of two winning drives for Kauffman on Sunday. Dan Noble and Kyle Ater also had driving doubles.