Columbus, OH – Refined has been on a tear at Eldorado Scioto Downs since starting back after a winter layoff. Her last couple finishes in the fall of 2024 were a pair of sixths in the Breeders Crown Mare Trot and an Open at Dayton Raceway, but she came back to qualify twice in April, made one start at Miami Valley, and since starting at Scioto has amassed four wins and two seconds in six starts.
“It’s a seasonal thing with her,” said trainer Virgil Morgan Jr. “I’ve kept her on the same program for the last four years – her record speaks for itself. She is ultra consistent every start.”
Refined, now a 9-year-old, has been consistent each year. With anywhere from 23-30 starts each season since 2021, Refined has earned at least $190,000 each of those years. So far in 2025, she has seven starts and $57,500 in earnings. She has also taken seasonal marks of 1:52.4 or better in each of the last six years.
Her latest victory, career win No. 50, was Friday (June 27) at Scioto, in 1:52.1. Assigned post five in the six horse Open field, Aaron Merriman got Refined the pocket trip behind Prince Of Honor (Chris Page) through fractions of :26.3, :56.1 and 1:24.1. Going into the last turn, Merriman popped the pocket with Refined and the pair won by a length over Prince Of Honor. Morgan’s other trainee, the 4-year-old Sugar Instead (Sam Widger) was third.
Refined, by Uncle Peter, was a $15,000 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale purchase back in 2017 and she now has earnings of $1.28 million. Lifetime she has 145 starts with a total of 98 on-the-board finishes. Her owners Larry Wills and JoyceA McClelland Stable have enjoyed much of her success, as they have owned her since May 2021.
Racing continues Saturday (June 28) at Scioto with a first scheduled post off time of 5:52 p.m. (EDT). In addition to the 14-race card, there will be wiener dog races early in the card. Highlighting the harness racing is the $27,000 Open pace, going off as race eight.
Just before the Open, as race seven, will be the $30,000 Carol’s Comet pace final for Ohio sired 3-year-olds who are winners over $75,000 lifetime. The race is named after the Yankee Cruiser gelding who last stepped foot onto the Scioto track in September 2015. Carol’s Comet will once again come back to the Columbus oval to meet fans from 5:30-7:15 p.m. near the clubhouse and will lead the post parade for the series final.
The 90-day 2025 Eldorado Scioto Downs race meet runs through Saturday, Sept. 13. Races are held Tuesday-Saturday with a 5:45 p.m. first post. A special 3:15 p.m. post time will be on the Fourth of July and 6:45 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 12, to help accommodate horsemen attending the Ohio Selected Yearling Sale.
More information about racing at Scioto can be found on the Eldorado Scioto Downs website.