Scioto: Twin B Joe Fresh struts her stuff again in Cleopatra Invitational

Twin B Joe Fresh picked up a new driver on Saturday, with Brett Miller subbing for co-owner and top pilot Dexter Dunn, but the result was still the same as the sport's leading pacer dominated rivals in capturing the $100,000 Cleopatra Invitational at Scioto Downs in a track record-setting 1:48 2/5 mile. The 4-year-old by Roll With Joe was a winner for the seventh time in eight starts this season for trainer and co-owner Chris Ryder.

Twin B Joe Fresh, the 1-20 favorite in the field of seven, got away fourth from the pole position as Miller was unconcerned about the early activity. Man Dontforget Me and Tyler Smith jetted to the front in a 26 second opening quarter, seating Grace Hill and Strong Poison in the early going. Dan Noble moved Strong Poison from third before the quarter and cleared the front passing the stands, with the favorite still sitting chilly.

Strong Poison had control at the 53 4/5 opening half, and Miller sent Twin B Joe Fresh in motion at that point, with Hungry For Love trying to keep with her second-over and Zanatta third-over. Twin B Joe Fresh hit top gear going to three-quarters, went by Strong Poison past that marker in 1:21 and opened ground. Miller kept Twin B Joe Fresh's mind on business, and she
easily held sway with a 27 2/5 final quarter. Man Dontforget Me rallied for the place with Zanatta third across the line.

Dunn, Ryder own Twin B Joe Fresh along with Pete Trebotica and Barry Spak. As the overwhelming choice Twin B Joe Fresh paid $2.10 to win.

"I never popped the earplugs," said Miller following the win.

Asked about getting the call to drive the top-ranked mare Miller said, "I felt like a kid the day before Christmas."

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In the $100,000 #Senditin Invitational and co-feature on the program, Seafire and driver Ronnie Wrenn Jr. worked out a live cover trip from the halfway mark and rallied sharply on the final turn to score easily in a career-best 1:48 clocking. A 4-year-old son of Downbytheseaside, Seafire was a winner for the fifth time in 11 starts this year for trainer Brian Brown.

Carbine used the pole position with Austin Hanners to establish control, seating several in the field through a sizzling 25 2/5 opening quarter. Dan Noble, behind race favorite Artatac A, pulled the pocket briefly before the quarter but settled in shortly thereafter. Noble's patience ran out before the half that was passed in 53 3/5, as he attacked Carbine and Wrenn Jr. used that to his advantage, riding that cover with Buzzsaw Russ on his back.

Artatac A paced a wicked third quarter, passing that call in 1:20 2/5 and taking control, but Wrenn Jr. was poised, and Seafire responded to pounce and take over in short order. Buzzsaw Russ rallied for second with Artatac A third in the mile.

Owned by Country Club Acres, J.Ridder, M. Kantrowitz and S. Davis, Seafire returned $7.60 to win.