Gianna Grace scored her first career win in maiden trotting action Wednesday, May 25 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Driver LeWayne Miller is known for his patience with trotters, and his expertise guided the sophomore filly to a 1:58.2 win.
Gianna Grace and LeWayne Miller fend off challengers from both sides to score their first career win. Photo by Dean Gillette
Gianna Grace began from the center of the track and rolled right out to the lead with a big advantage at the quarter in :28.4. The Dover Dan filly kept open lengths between her and the remainder of the field through the half in :59.0 before they began closing the gap at the three-quarters in 1:28.4.
In the stretch, Gianna Grace was faced with challengers from both sides. Fashion’s Way and Sam Widger closed in along the inside while Fiftini and Kyle Husted made up ground on the outside. The three raced to the wire with Gianna Grace getting the edge in the three-horse photo. Fashion’s Way finished second over Fiftini for third.
Gianna Grace paid $22.00 for the win. The sophomore filly is trained by Ryan Raber. Philip Graber owns the filly, who was bred by Lyle Slabach. With eight starts last year, Gianna Grace returned to win her fourth start this season. She was one of 61 that sold from the first crop of Dover Dan, bringing $12,500 through the sales ring at the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale. She is the second foal from the Kadabra mare GS Grasshopper and joins half sister Skyway Genna as a winner now from her family.
Earlier in the night, Fredneck and Kyle Wilfong scored a win by a nose in maiden claiming action. The three-year-old son of Fred and Ginger rallied home in :28.2 for the win over HC Commander and Sam Widger. Thisflightisrigged and Clay Craib finished third.
Fredneck paid $15.40 for the win. Nicole Agosti trains the sophomore, who is a homebred owned by Brett and Candice Wilfong and Agosti. It was the first career start for Fredneck, who was unraced at two for the Wilfong connections.