by Jason Zielinski, Publicity and Marketing Director, Scioto Downs
Columbus, OH —Driver Jeff Nisonger and Not Aday Goes By stopped the timer first in 1:54 to take the final of the Emmett Ebenhack Pace for Ohio Sired fillies and mares on Friday night at Scioto Downs.
After drawing the second post position, the three-year-old Towner’s Big Guy filly sat in the garden spot until the top of the stretch where Nisonger eased her to the front to overtake Cmon Suzie Hangon down “heartbreak lane”.
R U Connected and Hugh Beatty made an impressive charge, but the Jim Arledge, Jr.-trainee held her off at the wire to record the two length victory.
The win was the third in seven starts on the season for Not Aday Goes By owned by Milton Leeman, Steve Manning and Warren Miller, and returned $8.20, $7.00 and $7.80 at the windows.
When the night started, Brett Miller found himself sitting atop the Scioto Downs driver standings. He added to his lead in the fifth, bringing Sand Sapphire to the winner’s circle in 1:533 to take the final of the Steve Sugg Pace for Ohio Sired fillies and mares.
The three-year-old Towner’s Big Guy filly went off as the race favorite, and for good reason. Starting out of the three hole, the Tye Loy-trainee moved to the outside at the quarter, eventually finding herself second behind Tawny and Chip Noble approaching the final quarter. From there, Miller guided her home in a speedy :281 for owner Bill Sanders, eventually beating out Tawny at the wire by a neck.
The third win in 11 starts on the year, and a new lifetime mark, returned $2.80, $2.10 and $2.10 for Sand Sapphire, and helped push her career earnings over the $25,000 mark.