Scioto: Charlie Hill Memorial goes to Winner's Bet in track record fashion

Winner's Bet and driver Dexter Dunn set a track record in capturing the $260,000 Charlie Hill Memorial at Eldorado Scioto Downs on Saturday night. The 4-year-old by Walner overcame a long first-over grind to wear down pace-setting Chapercraz in the homestretch and easily hold Lexus Kody at bay.

Dunn left with Winner's Bet but was out-sped at the start, with Lexus Kody and Chapercraz leaving alertly to his flank on both fronts. Lexus Kody grabbed the front early for driver Chris Page but yielded before the 26 4/5 opening quarter to Ron Burke stablemate Chapercraz with Yannick Gingras aboard. Gingras was adept as usual at controlling the fractions, and he walked the field to the halfway point in 56 3/5 as Dunn had no choice but to put Winner's Bet into motion and get no cover to follow prior to the half. The pace picked up markedly on the backstretch as Chapercraz and Gingras kicked in with a 27 second flat third quarter. That kind of speed was not enough to deter Dunn or Winner's Bet, as that pair rolled up powerfully to engage the leader on even terms-as they passed three quarters in 1:23 3/5.

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In the homestretch Dunn was able to push Winner's Bet to the front but still had to contend with Lexus Kody, who had found room to the inside in the passing lane for Page and had every chance to chase down Winner's Bet late. That wouldn't be the case as Dunn confidently urged the Nancy Takter-trained Winner's Bet to the wire, trotting a final quarter in 27 1/5 to complete the mile in a track record 1:50 4/5 clocking.

"He was too anxious at Mohawk," said Takter following the victory. "He trained absolutely super for me in Lexington."

Owned by Lindy Farms and Robert Rudoph, Winner's Bet won for the fifth time in eight start this year, rebounding from a break in stride in a Maple Leaf Trot elimination last month. As the 3-2 favorite Winner's Bet returned $5 to win.