Dayton, OH — Driver Jeremy Smith and trainer Walter Haynes Jr. swept the co-featured $20,000 conditioned claiming paces on Thursday (Oct. 15) at Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway with Rockinpoppin and Currys Flurry.
In the first division, Currys Flurry found himself between rivals early and cleared to the top before the :26.2 opening quarter. Unpressured, Currys Flurry got past the half in :55.1 and three-quarters in 1:23.
The pocket sitting SS Druidstone (Trevor Smith) popped off the rail around the final turn, but could not get closer than a length from the winner. Currys Flurry crossed the line in 1:51.4, 1-1/4 lengths ahead of SS Druidstone. Shadow Cove (Tyler Smith) and Sinatra Hanover (Austin Hanners) finished in a dead heat for third.
The four-year-old son of Papi Rob Hanover has won three of his last four starts for Robert Carsey.
Just three races later, Rockinpoppin took the faster of the two divisions in 1:51.
When the field of eight was sent on their way, Sky Dog (Marvin Luna) received the first call, putting the eventual winner in the pocket for a few strides. Smith had Rockinpoppin back on top at the quarter in :26. With little pressure, Rockinpoppin relaxed on the lead past the half (:54.2) and three-quarters (1:22.1).
David Miller pulled Rainrock to the outside and challenged down the backstretch. Using a :28.4 final panel, Rockinpoppin fended off a two-pronged attack in the lane: Sky Dog on the inside and Rainrock on the outside. Rockinpoppin was three-quarters of a length clear of Rainrock and another length ahead of Sky Dog at the wire.
The gelded son of Pet Rock is owned by the partnership of Fought Racing, Brian Carsey and Light Strides.
Conditioner Walter Haynes Jr. recorded a triple on the 14-race card. Jeremy Smith enjoyed a grand slam. Chris Page had a driving triple and Trevor Smith a double.
Dayton Raceway will take a couple of days off for the Breeders Crown eliminations. Racing action returns on Monday (Oct. 19).