Valentowner dominates Scioto’s best

Valentowner shot to the front after the first half-mile of Saturday’s featured Open Pace at Scioto Downs and left his rivals in his wake, winning by seven lengths in 1:52.3, fastest mile of the season at Scioto.

Dan Noble was in the sulky for trained Jim Arledge, Jr. and owner Robert Key of Pennsylvania.

Jate’s Boy and Gordie How engaged in a speed duel out of the starting gate, resulting in an open quarter-mile in :26.3. When driver Kurt Sugg saw that he couldn’t wrest control from Jate’s Boy, he tucked his pacer into the trailing position. Valentowner was biding his time in third place.

When the pace slowed during a second quarter in just 30 seconds, Noble moved Valentowner with authority, pacing the third panel in a blistering 27 seconds to open a substantial lead. At that point the race was virtually over as Valentowner paced unchallenged to the wire.

He paid $4.00, $3.00, and $2.40.

It was the first win in three starts this year for Valentowner, who shipped into Scioto from Hoosier Park. The 6-year-old gelding pushed his career earnings past $380,000 with the victory.

Caramel Dumpling finished second while Gordie How got up to finish third.

Valentowner’s victory was one of four Saturday night for driver Dan Noble. (Scioto)