Lebanon, OH. – The annual Miami Valley “Survivor Series” for male $5,000 claimers got underway on Monday (Feb. 1) afternoon with eight divisions of ten horses, each going for a $5,000 purse. The top five finishers from each elimination race advanced to round two next Monday (Feb. 8), when the purses will be $6,000. Round three will feature the 20 horses still standing chasing $7,500 purses; and the series will culminate with a $20,000 championship tilt on Monday (Feb. 22).

A total of ten of the 80 horses in Leg one were claimed. They will be the only ones carrying claiming tags in leg two, but with a 30% premium added to their base prices.

Dovuto Hanover was the fastest of the eight winners in Round 1 of the Survivor Series, scoring in 1:55.2 for Brady Galliers. Conrad photo

Quickest winner from the eight first round heats was Dovuto Hanover (Brady Galliers), who clocked a 1:55.2 mile and returned a $5.60 win mutual. Others who triumphed were 14-year-old Montana Pablo A (Trace Tetrick, 1:56, $2.80), Sammonsletsroll (Shawn Barker, 1:56.4, $7.60), Guns An Roses (Brandon Bates, 1:56.2, $3.60), Century Chancellor (Sam Widger, 1:56.1, $5.60), Seen Before Heard (Widger, 1:56.3, $5.80), Skip Jive (Jimmy Whittemore, 1:56.1, $4.40) and Monte Cristo (Joey Putnam, $15) who was placed first when race winner Beach House (1:55.2) drifted in the lane causing interference.

Racing resumes Tuesday (Feb. 2) at Miami Valley when three divisions of the first leg of a similar Survivor Series for $5,000 claiming mares will be contested. Post time is 2:05 p.m.

Miami Valley has moved up post time for next Sunday (Feb. 7), to 12:05 p.m. — two hours earlier than normal to allow patrons, horsemen and staff to enjoy the Super Bowl later in the day.