Dayton, OH — Ponda Executive and David Miller survived a three-way photo for win in the $19,000 starter allowance pace Thursday (Oct. 22) at Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway.
Courtship (Tyler Smith) split early rivals and received the first call.
Luke Hanners had Soho Santorini A out and moving early and led the compact field of six past the opening panel in :27.
National Tier (Brett Miller) came first-up and raced in step with Courtship during the :56 half and 1:23.2 three-quarters.
Sitting last down the backstretch, David Miller pulled the earplugs on Ponda Executive, and the Check Six stallion responded.
Ponda Executive came from the middle of the track and nipped fellow closer Primary Driver (Jeremy Smith) and Courtship in the final strides to record the nose victory in 1:51.3.
Ponda Executive has 28 career wins in 106 starts, with nearly $290,000 in earnings.
The 6-year-old Indiana invader is trained by Dee Smith for Perry W. Smith.
In the featured $20,000 condition claiming pace, Hayhayit’sfrineigh and driver Kayne Kauffman used a late passing lane move to pull a minor upset in 1:52.
Rainrock (David Miller) left from post 4 and was parked on the lead at the :26.3 opening quarter.
Hayhayit’sfrineigh protected his rail position and was able to sit in the pocket spot.
Ss Druidstone (Trevor Smith) was the first to move before the :54.3 half, providing cover for Johnny Up (Austin Hanners), and held a half-length lead at the three-quarters in 1:22.2.
With a bunched-up field in the final turn, Kauffman patiently waited for the passing lane to become available and sprinted home, 1-3/4 lengths ahead of a closing Sinatra Hanover (Brett Miller).
Rainrock held on for the show spot.
Hayhayit’sfrineigh picked up his second straight Dayton score and paid $20.60 to win.
The 4-year-old Downbytheseaside gelding is co-owned by Dr. Jill Dentel and trainer James R. Ehrsam.
Dayton Raceway will return to action on Tuesday (Oct. 27) after taking a short break for the Breeders Crown events.