Scioto Downs: Lather Up works hard for the money in Ohio State Fair event

North America Cup winner Lather Up made his first pari-mutuel appearance since breaking stride in the Max C. Hempt Memorial final in an Ohio State Fair division for sophomore pacing colts on Saturday night at Scioto Downs, and he win would in a track record 1:49 4/5 after an adventurous trip.

Driven by Montrell Teague in the $59,400 event, Lather Up was three-wide most of the 26 4/5 opening quarter, and leader Bounding Dragon (Dan Noble) was not in a giving mood beyond that point, keeping Lather Up parked to the 53 3/5 half. Lather Up finally forged his way by Bounding Dragon near the 1:21 three-quarters, but just as soon as he cleared, Noble brought his charge back outside for another run at Lather Up. Lather Up had more in reserve, though, as he put away Bounding Dragon for good in upper stretch and paced clear to a one and three-quarter length decision. Letsallrock (Tyler Smith) finished third.

The 1:49 4/5 clocking lowered the previous record that had belonged to P-Forty Seven since 2005.

Clyde Francis trains Lather Up, a colt by I'm Gorgeous, for owners/breeder Gary and Barbara Iles. This was Lather Up's 12th career victory, and he has now earned $574,465. Lather Up was sent off at 1-9 and paid $2.10 to win.

The track record for a 3-year-old gelding trotter was also lowered to 1:53 2/5 on the card, with Two O B Wonkenobi (Sam Widger) doing the honors. He brushed from third into the lead past the 27 4/5 opening quarter in the second $57,700 flight, and after a 57 second half and a 1:24 3/5 three-quarters, he trotted away in the lane to win by 2 1/2 lengths over Northmedo Mission (Aaron Merriman). Mission Accepted (Ryan Stahl), the 2-5 favorite, ended up third after a failed first-over try.

Two O B Wonkenobi, a gelded son of Dejarmbro, is trained by Ernie Gaskin for owners Shara Weaver and Madeline Roche. Two O B Wonkenobi is now a seven-time winner in his life, and he pushed his bankroll to $89,565. A 5-1 shot, he returned $12.20 to win.

The other $58,700 split of the Ohio State Fair pace went to Sectionline Bigry (Merriman/Steve Bauder) in 1:50 1/5, and Pass The Vape (Derek Watiker trainer/driver) captured the other $57,000 trot test in 1:55 3/5.