by Dean A. Hoffman, for Scioto Downs

Columbus, OH — Near The Limit rocketed up the passing lane for trainer-driver J.D. Wengerd on Monday afternoon (May 31) to win the $7,000 Todd Christy Memorial Trot at Scioto Downs. The gelded son of Yankee Glide covered the mile in 1:57.

Dean Hoffman photo

Near The Limit, a son of Yankee Glide, trots to victory in the Todd Christy Memorial at Scioto Downs.

Favored Hello Carlo and driver Chris Page set a fast tempo in the race, getting control going to the half-mile marker and warding off attacks during the third quarter. Wengerd and Near The Limit sat on the inside in the middle of the pack.

“I was worried that I wasn’t going to get through,” he said. “Then the inside opened up and my horse trotted willingly past them to win.”

Hello Carlo drifted out and Maple Point outfooted the favorite in the homestretch to get second money. Hello Carlo saved third in an exciting stretch duel. Hardwood Chips rallied from far back to get fourth while B V’s Sister got the final check.

Near The Limit paid $20.20 to win and Maple Point paid $18.20 to place. The 6-7 exacta paid $132.20.

Near The Limit has now won four times in 17 starts for owner Bert Dale Hershberger. The 8-year-old has banked more than $308,000 in his career.

The Todd Christy Memorial honors the memory of an Ohio horseman who dearly loved a good trotter. Christy passed away in late 2008.