Northfield, OH – It was “Miller Time” in the Great Lakes Amateur Driving Series (GLADA) at MGM Northfield Park on Monday night (Aug. 11).
It was also “Miller Time” for the multitude of faithful that backed Johnnyreds Victory, driven by Edward Miller, down to 2-5 on the tote board to witness his win measuring 4 1/2 lengths.
The 5-year-old What The Hill gelding took charge before the :28 opener and held a pesky Sadodaka, driven by Ryan Deaton, out to dry like wet laundry through subsequent panels of :58.3 and 1:28.3 before using a solid :29.3 kick home to ring up the win over the 38-1 outsider Keeper Of Secrets, handled by Lauren Harmon.
Baby Yoda, driven by Eric Miller, close up and prominent much of the way, was another neck back in third while Sadodaka finished fourth.
Swan On A Mission, beginning from the second tier, picked up thee nickel for Larry Ferrari.
As the wings folded, Baby Yoda left with alacrity along with Johnnyreds Victory and these two threw the opening punches through the opening stages with Johnnyreds Victory taking charge only to be confronted by Sadosaka shortly thereafter. The latter showed tenacity on the outside until the top of the stretch, but the tough journey finally took its toll, benefiting the quick closing Keeper Of Secrets while Baby Yoda had the ground-saving journey.
In a post-race interview, trainer-driver Edward Miller mused, “The horse drew well, was in a good spot and all I had to do was steer and try to hold on and not get thrown off.”
This was the third win in 18 starts this semester for Johnnyreds Victory, sending his 2025 bankroll to $24,160 and $104,977 lifetime.
Owned by Rebecca Sugg along with Steven Miller and Jamie Miller, Johnnyreds Victory paid $2.80 to win.