Lebanon, OH – Appropriately named Five, and Dune Buggy, each picked up their fifth lifetime win by taking separate divisions of Monday nights (Feb. 23) co-featured $17,000 N/w 6 condition claimer.
In the first division, Five ducked off the wings and settled in sixth as the field lined up single file behind 27-1 longshot Barley Tricky to a quarter in :27.4. As they moved past the tote board for the first time, 3-2 favorite Secret Fire pulled first over, with Seaside Star and Five following his cover. As they passed the half in :56.3, Secret Fire brushed up to the leader, eventually crossing over for the lead and leaving Seaside Star first over with a very fast closing Five motoring up three wide and taking the lead at the three quarters in 1:25.3. From that point on, Jeremy Smith asked Five for a little more and he responded, opening up and winning by six lengths. Seaside Star hung on for second while Dont Tell Rosa rounded out the tri.
For Five, it was his first win of the year and for new trainer Zach Mogan after owner/trainer Dean Collins sent him over for a change of scenery.
In the second division, Dune Buggy, fresh off a claim and making his second start for new trainer Steve Carter, was sent off as the favorite for the second week in a row. His trip both last week and Monday were almost identical, as Brett Miller was able to get away third off the gate through a quarter in :28. Just before the half in :56.3, Dune Buggy was pulled first over to begin his challenge of leader Colton’s Charm, drawing even down the backside before eventually putting a head in front at the three quarters in 1:25. Colton’s Charm wasn’t giving up without a fight as he edged back into the lead as the field turned for home. In the stretch, the pair dueled, exchanging leads but at the wire, Dune Buggy wore down a game Colton’s Charm to win by a neck. Vel I’m On It closed for third.
This was Dune Buggy’s first win of the year after a second and third place finish the previous two weeks. For trainer Steve Carter, it was his third win on the card, winning with Incredible Man and Captain Magestic earlier in the night.
Racing resumes Tuesday night (Feb. 24) at 4 p.m.