by Dean A. Hoffman, for Scioto Downs

Columbus, OH — Despite racing over a rain-dampened track under overcast skies, several sophomores were impressive in their victories on Friday (May 1) in Scioto Downs qualifiers.

Dean A. Hoffman photo

Four Starz Motor had the biggest margin of victory in the qualifiers as the 4-year-old Credit Winner mare won by 14-1/2 lengths for driver Chip Noble and trainer John Eades.

A trio of 3-year-old winners by Yankee Cruiser was headed by the filly Cruisinthecoast as she paced to an easy 1:58.4 victory. Dan Ater drove the Yankee Cruiser colt Native Art to a 1:59 win and then steered the gelding Cruise To Fame to a win in 2:02.2.

Sand Benelli, a sophomore pacer by The Panderosa, won by 11-1/2 lengths in 1:58.3 for trainer Jim Arledge and driver Dan Noble. This same trainer-driver duo teamed to get the Western Hanover filly Toomuchfunwithu home in 2:00.

The fastest trotting winner was Sir, a 3-year-old by Master Lavec. He scored in 2:02.3 for trainer Virgil Morgan and driver Chris Page.

Among the trotting winners, the biggest winner in terms of margin was Four Starz Motor, a 14-1/2 length winner in 2:03.3 with a final quarter of :29.2. Chip Noble drove for trainer John Eades.

The 10-year-old warrior Epes paced the fastest mile of the day with his 1:56.4 for Dan Noble and trainer Jeff Amann.

Scioto Downs opens its 51st season on Friday, May 8.