Gio Sammy sharp in Ohio, gives Gone Astray winner No. 13

Heading into his engagement in the eighth race at Mahoning Valley yesterday, Gio Sammy had run up a record of one victory, four seconds, four thirds and two fourths in his previous 12 races. The 5-year-old Gone Astray gelding was primed for a sharp effort – and he didn’t disappoint as the 2-1 favorite.

Racing six furlongs with Luis Rivera in the saddle, Gio Sammy broke quickly from the No. 2 post, briefly engaged Hit This Town for the lead, then slid back to second during a :23.12 first quarter. After a half in :45.71, Rivera swung the gelding off the rail, went by Hit This Town in mid-stretch and won under restraint by 3 1/4 lengths.

Gio Sammy, bred in Maryland by Ocala’s Best A Luck Farm, was clocked in 1:11.50 and earned a check for $8,940. He raised his record to 4-4-7 in 25 starts while becoming Gone Astray’s 13th winner of 2022.