Lebanon, OH – Special Select went gate to wire and Beelzebub used a pocket trip to upset at 31-1 to take Monday’s (Feb. 16) co-featured $22,000 paces at Miami Valley Raceway.
Special Select floated out from the gate and allowed a couple of early tussles to settle before moving to the front past an opening quarter of :27.3. Heading to the half, Checkers Legacy pulled first-over but was still more than a length off at the half in :57.3. Checkers Legacy continued to pull ever closer, getting to within a quarter-length of Special Select at the three-quarters in 1:25.2.
Around the final turn, Checkers Legacy continued with the pressure as Odds On Mad Hatter tipped out three-wide and pocket-sitting favorite Rockinpoppin bided his time. Entering the stretch, Special Select had a length advantage while a six-horse duel for second developed behind him, and he eventually held off Checkers Legacy by a neck to win in 1:54. Rockinpoppin finished third.
The win was the third in the last four starts for Special Select, and his first since joining the NW10 ranks for trainer Erv Miller.
In the second division, Beelzebub left from post two to protect inside position, eventually giving way to 2-5 favorite Charge Me Up past a quick opening quarter of :26.4. Charge Me Up got a little breather as he led the field unchallenged through a half in :56. A long first-over drive from Keayang Taco A materialized but only got to 1-1/2 lengths of leader Charge Me Up as they passed three quarters in 1:23.3.
As they turned for home, Charge Me Up continued to show the way but drifted in deep stretch, which allowed just enough racing room for Beelzebub to sneak up the inside and win by a half-length in 1:53. Charge Me Up finished second while Keayang Taco A grinded it out for third.
The win was the first of the year for Beelzebub, his 10th lifetime, and the first since moving into the Kayne Kauffman barn.
Driver Tyler Smith had a hat trick on the card, while Kayne Kauffman, David Miller and Trace Tetrick all recorded doubles. Jason Brewer had a training double.
Racing will return on Tuesday (Feb. 17) with a post time of 4 p.m. (EST).