Dayton, OH — The ultra-consistent My Hero Ron captured the $18,500 Open Pace at Hollywood Dayton Raceway on Saturday night (Dec. 22), his 25th on-the-board finish in 33 starts this year.

Three horses finished noses apart in Saturday’s Open Pace as My Hero Ron scored in 1:53. Conrad photo.

Driver Tyler Smith ducked to the inside midstretch, just in time to sneak past longshots Hot Rod Dylan (Travis Seekman) and Night Pro (Dale Decker) in a thrilling photo finish.

The 6-year-old son of Well Said’s 1:53 triumph was his seventh of the season and increased his 2018 bankroll to $153,000. Career-wise the Danny Dubeansky trainee has amassed $770,000. My Hero Ron is owned by Brian Witt and Cory Atley.

Smith got a pocket ride for My Hero Ron behind pacesetter Winwood Mac for the first seven-eighths of the mile. The 10-1 Night Pro made a monstrous move down the backside that fell just short in the end as he finished third by a head. He trailed 30-1 Hot Rod Dylan who actually stuck a nose in front in deep stretch, but wound up second by a nose.

My Hero Ron paid $5.20 to win as the favorite, but the 4-10 exacta returned a healthy $96.40 and a 50-cent trifecta paid $215.15 to lucky ticket holders.

Hollywood Dayton has just three programs left in its 75-day meet. Racing at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights (Dec. 27-29) will bring down the curtain on the track’s fifth and most successful season to date.