Lebanon, OH – Despite finishing second each of the previous two weeks in the same class, Robert Michael was sent off at 16-1 in Wednesday night’s (Feb. 26) featured $29,000 conditioned trot.
Starting from post six, Robert Michael was ducked off the wings by driver Trevor Smith and settled in seventh as the field was led single file to the opening quarter by Fifty Rivers in a speedy :27.2.
Heading past the stands and the fans for the first time, the outer flow developed with Global Sensation leading up the charge with Robert Michael now third over when they passed the half in :56.2.
As they neared the three quarters (1:24.1), Robert Michael could wait no longer and was sent three wide around the gapping Sugar Instead. WIth a quick brush, Robert Michael was able to quickly get around Sugar Instead and slide back into a second over position as they rounded the final turn.
When the field turned for home, Global Sensation had moved to the lead but dragged Robert Michael right along with him and the two battled down the stretch with Robert Michael just getting up by a head at the wire in 1:53.2 and paying his backers $65.60. Global Sensation was a game second while Yanks Dugout used a pocket trip to wind up third.
The win for Robert Michael was his 10th lifetime tally, taking a new lifetime mark as well. For trainer Jason Irwin, it was his second win of the night as stablemate Sunburst upset at odds of 31-1 in the opener and paid $34.20.
Driver David Miller had a grand slam on the card while Trevor Smith had a driving triple.
Miami Valley racing action for the week closes out on Thursday night (Feb. 27) with a post time of 4 p.m.