By 1808Delaware
In a thrilling showdown at the Delaware County Fair on Tuesday, Scrappy’s Love emerged victorious by a nose in the $137,000 Ohio Breeders Championship for freshman colt trotters, despite relentless pressure from Lt Loverboy. The division saw intense competition between these promising young trotters, keeping fans on edge until the photo finish confirmed Scrappy’s Love had held on to win.
Mike Wilder Guides Scrappy’s Love to Victory
Driver Mike Wilder took advantage of his prime rail position, securing early control of the race with Scrappy’s Love. Wilder established steady fractions, leading the field through the quarter in :29.1 and the half in :58.4. Brett Miller, aboard Lt Loverboy, made his move nearing the half, pulling his horse from the three-hole to challenge Wilder and Scrappy’s Love.
As the trotters reached the three-quarter mark in 1:27.4, the race turned into a head-to-head battle between Scrappy’s Love and Lt Loverboy, with the two matching strides down the final stretch. After what appeared to be a near-simultaneous finish, the photo revealed Scrappy’s Love had secured the victory by the narrowest of margins, crossing the line in 1:56.2.
Top Finishers in the Championship
While Scrappy’s Love claimed the win, the hard-charging Lt Loverboy took second place after his valiant effort. Behind them, Whats Shakin, driven by Ronnie Gillespie, claimed third place, with Rose Run Ari, piloted by Austin Hanners, rounding out the top four.
Owned by Gil Short and Jeffrey Bankey, and trained by Chris Beaver, Scrappy’s Love has proven to be a consistent performer this season, finishing first or second in six of his seven starts. The son of Long Tom, bred by Walter S. Fister, continues to demonstrate his potential as one of Ohio’s rising trotting stars.
Battle Hill Seizes Opportunity in First Division Win
In the first $68,500 division of the Ohio Breeders Championship, Battle Hill and driver Chris Lems took advantage of mistakes by their rivals to secure a victory in 1:57.1. From the start, Battle Hill showed early speed, claiming the lead in the first eighth of the mile, only to surrender it to Hilltop Sonar (Chris Page) after a swift opening quarter in :28.3.
As the race progressed, Stud Muffin T (Tyler Smith) attempted to challenge Hilltop Sonar but broke stride just before the 5/8-mile mark. This misstep allowed Oso Fast (David Miller) to pressure the leader, but Hilltop Sonar faltered on the final turn, breaking stride and veering inside the pylons, leaving the door wide open for Battle Hill.
Taking full advantage of these opportunities, Battle Hill inherited the lead and cruised home to victory. Uncle Moneybags (Aaron Merriman) was promoted to second, while Power Hill (Austin Hanners) moved up to third following the post-race adjustments.
Battle Hill’s Season Highlights
Trained by Matthew Burkholder and owned by William A. Hartt, Battle Hill, a gelded son of Marseille, showed his tactical speed and ability to capitalize on his competitors’ mistakes. Bred by Galliers Racing, Battle Hill has consistently demonstrated his knack for seizing the moment, adding this victory to his growing list of accolades.
Championship Full of Drama and Opportunity
The Ohio Breeders Championship at the Delaware County Fair delivered excitement with tight finishes, unexpected breaks in stride, and jockeying for position among some of Ohio’s most talented young trotters. Scrappy’s Love’s narrow victory highlighted his fighting spirit, while Battle Hill’s win showed that in racing, timing and patience can be just as important as speed.
Photo Credit: Brad Conrad Photos
