Scioto Downs: McWicked goes over $2 million in earnings with Ewart Memorial victory

Brian Sears booked off a dozen drives at Yonkers to drive two horses in stakes action at Scioto Downs on Saturday, and he doubled up when McWicked captured the $225,000 Jim Ewart Memorial, collaring Rockin Ron in the shadow of the wire in a 1:49 3/5 mile.

Action was fast and furious from the start as Lets Drink On It and Luck Be Withyou exchanged the early lead through a 26 1/5 opening quarter. Mel Mara, the race favorite, brushed past the quarter to gain the front and was on the lead at the half in 54 2/5.

Matt Kakaley got an early spot with Rockin Ron, but he was on the move past the half and made an explosive move with the Ron Burke-trained horse, blowing right past the favorite midway down the backstretch. Rockin Ron opened ground on the field through a three quarters timed in 1:21 3/5 and looked to have the race sewn up.

Boston Red Rocks had followed Rockin Ron but lost contact with him on the final turn. He began to close the gap on the leader, but McWicked, who had been third-over most of the way, ducked to the inside in the stretch. Sears kept driving his horse, just getting up on the wire over Rockin Ron. Boston Red Rocks and Check Six finished in a dead-heat for third.

"I thought they would have to go a half in :53 for us to have a chance," said Sears after the race. "At the head of the stretch I thought I was a lock for second, but he dug in and really responded."

McWicked, trained by Casie Coleman, has now won seven times in 21 starts this year for lessee Edward James. The victory also pushed his career bankroll beyond the $2 million mark.