Balance Spur wins Scioto featured trot

Balance Spur trotted to a convincing 1:59.2 score in the Thursday trotting feature at Scioto Downs with trainer-driver David Myers in the bike. Myers  swept both ends of Scioto’s daily double as he won the opening race with the pacer Music Fan, coming up the inside to nip Natty Nu at the wire in 1:59.4.

Driver J.D. Wengerd had a driving triple on Thursday, including the fastest mile of the evening with the sophomore pacing filly Misty’s Little Bit . She scored in 1:5 5.2 for trainer Darin Mouser and owner Tami Ackley.

Balance Spur’s win was his first in four starts this year for the  6-year-old son of Pegasus Spur. He is owned by Elizabeth H. Brandt of Logan, Ohio, widow of the Ohio Hall of Famer Dick Brandt.

The field of 10 trotters went away as a group with Only In California being the sole breaker. Willie N Blaze showed excellent early speed from post eight as he shot to the front for driver J.D. Wengerd with Balance Spur second. Rose Run Gleam fell in behind the leaders.

Myers moved Balance Spur confidently to the lead after the opening quarter was passed in :28.3.  They continued to show the way past the half-mile marker, then faced a challenge from favored Southern Jade and driver Sandy Beatty.

In the stretch, Balance Spur stepped away from his pursuers and hit the wire 1-3/4 lengths ahead in 1:59.2.Ironically, this marked the third straight Scioto start in which Balance Spur has been timed in 1:59.2, but this time it earned him a trip to the winner’s circle.

Willie N Blaze was second while 99-1 shot Rose Run Gleam rallied for third. (Scioto Downs)