Lebanon, OH — It has been over three months since driver Jeremy Smith underwent surgery to repair a bothersome shoulder, but he roared back in style on Monday afternoon (April 29) at Miami Valley Raceway by winning three of his first four drives following his rehabilitation layoff.

Jeremy Smith, back in the sulky after being sidelined for three months, teamed up with Doc’s Bonanza to get back to the winner’s circle on Monday at Miami Valley Raceway. Conrad Photo.

In just his second of nine assignments on the day, the 39-year-old reinsman guided Doc’s Bonanza to a 3-3/4 length score in a bottom-level conditioned pace. The 1:53.2 triumph was the first of 2019 for Doc’s Bonanza and was the best winning time for the 12-year-old in over two years. Mary Dawson owns and trains the son of The Panderosa who paid $9.20 to win.

Smith’s second tally of the day was a stunner, as Virginnaire upset a full field of lower-condition pacing mares in 1:55.1, returning $39.40 for a two-dollar win ticket. It was also the first win in 11 tries for the daughter of Always A Virgin who is trained by Tony Todd for owner David Finnegan.

Always one to produce handsome payoffs, Smith next visited the winner’s circle with J C Onthebeach, who yielded $36.20 to his backers. Daniel Stone conditions the 9-year-old Somebeachsomewhere gelding for the S & S Racing Stable. His 1:52 score in a mid-range condition pace was his third on the year and 42nd in his career.

“I feel great,” exclaimed Smith. “I did everything the doctors asked and my shoulder feels better than it has in years. I’m so thankful that I have a group of loyal trainers and owners who have welcomed me back and trusted me with their horses . . . I hope I can get on a roll for them!”

Smith is coming off his best year to date. In 2018, he won 338 races and amassed $2,990,077 in purses. The career winner of 2,159 races and over $13 million in purses also captured the dash title at Hollywood Dayton Raceway.