Dayton, OH — Gabbys Rockytop used a patient drive from Emanuel Miller to score an upset victory in the featured $18,000 conditioned claiming trot on Tuesday (Oct. 14) at Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway.
When the field of nine was sent on their way, a three-wide battle started with Gabbys Rockytop, Send Rip (Hugh Beatty) and the heavy favorite Elegant Resolve (Luke Hanners).
The favorite cleared to the front in the opening quarter in :27.4. Send Rip was parked in second.
Beatty had Send Rip on top before they crossed the line for the first time and passed the half-mile station in :56.4.
A first-up move by the sophomore General Grant (Austin Hanners) forced Elegant Resolve out of the pocket.
A three-wide move down the backstretch had General Grant leading the troops at the three-quarters in 1:24.3.
Miller found some daylight and pulled the 4-year-old Triumphant Caviar gelding off the rail in third just as the leader took a bad step and was pulled to the inside.
Gabbys Rockytop wore down the tiring Send Rip in the final strides to score a head victory in 1:54.2.
Long Ridge (Trevor Smith) rallied for third. Its Swan Time (Pay Melloy) crossed the finish line in third but was placed eighth for racing inside the pylons. Elegant Resolve was elevated to the final superfecta spot.
The winner, who paid $21.60 to win, is co-owned by trainer Chris Beaver, breeder Johanna Beaver, Mineral Lick Farm and Steven Zeehandelar.
Austin Hanners and Southern Rockfest took the fastest race of the evening in the $14,000 conditioned pace in 1:52.
Mama Said Zip It (Emanuel Miller) received the first call and strung out the favorite Southern Rockfest through the opening quarter in :27.3.
Miller had the sophomore son of Pet Rock on the lead well before the half in :55.3. The three-quarters was in 1:23.2.
Southern Rockfest drew away and was 2-1/2 lengths better than Garoppolo (Tyler Smith), who used the passing lane. Mama Said Zip It held on for third.
Southern Rockfest picked up his fifth of the season and the seventh of his career for co-owners Brian Larrick and trainer Bret Schwartz.
Hanners would go on to win three races on the evening. A quartet of other reinsmen – Trevor Smith, Josh Sutton, Ken Holliday and Brett Miller – had doubles.
Dayton Raceway’s week continues Wednesday (Oct. 15) with a 14-race card. First post is 4 p.m.