Miami Valley: Shartin repeats in Chip Noble Memorial

Shartin defended her Chip Noble Memorial title on Monday afternoon at Miami Valley Raceway, besting three rivals in the $100,000 contest for pacing mares and just missing her own track record by a fifth of a second, halting the clock in 1:49 4/5.

With Bettor Joy scratched, a field of four lined up behind the gate, and Shartin (Tim Tetrick) worked her way past Medusa (Yannick Gingras) for command going to the 26 2/5 opening quarter. Shartin then went on to hit the half in 54 4/5 and the three-quarters in 1:22 3/5 without facing any outside pressure.

Gingras eased Medusa off the rail at the midway point of the last turn, and although she raced gamely in pursuit through the lane, Shartin had things well in-hand, defeating her by a length and three-quarters with a 27 1/5 final quarter. Baron Remy (Matt Kakaley) finished in third, and Always Giggling (Brett Miller) came in fourth.

Jim King Jr. trains Shartin, a millionaire 6-year-old daughter of Tintin In America, for owners Richard Poillucci, Jo Ann Looney-King, and Tim Tetrick LLC. She scored her 31st career victory, and she returned $2.10 to her backers as the 1-9 choice.