Dayton, OH — Ready For Pictures, the only 3-year-old in a compact field, defeated older foes to take the $20,000 condition claiming feature Tuesday evening (Oct. 27) at Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway.
A three-way battle ensued for early command, with Hey Trixey (Luke Hanners) leading the scratch-reduced field of five past the opening panel in :28.1 and the half in a leisurely :58.4.
Jayport Cash (Chris Page) caught the field after an early miscue, forcing Ready For Pictures and driver John DeLong to come first-up.
Ready For Pictures cleared to the top well before the three-quarters in 1:26.3.
Jayport Cash ruined his chances with another break in stride.
Hey Trixey tried to battle back but came up a length short in 1:55.3.
Spiritual Faith (Jeremy Smith) made a late passing lane bid but had to settle for third.
Tabatha DeLong conditions Ready For Pictures for owner Jesse DeLong.
The gelding recorded his 11th career win and his sixth of the season.
The $11,000 condition claiming pace saw Keene Finale and driver Hank LeVan go from last to first in the final three-eighths of the mile to nip the pacesetting Matt And Luke (Kayne Kauffman) in the final strides.
Shaving Cream (Cam McCown) blasted off the gate’s wings from post 9 and cleared fellow leaver Matt And Luke, who refused to sit in the pocket and retook at the opening quarter in :27.4.
Bobrosshasspoken (Luke Hanners) was the first to come to the outside, providing much needed cover for Rose Run Balance (Jeremy Smith).
The half was in :57.
The Bobrosshasspoken challenge stalled at the three-quarters in 1:25.1, forcing Rose Run Balance three-wide in the final turn.
The eventual winner responded to having his ear plugs pulled at the three-quarters and, thanks to a bold four-wide move around the final bend, was clear on the outside.
The sophomore son of Racing Hill gunned down Matt And Luke at the line and was a half length clear in a lifetime best 1:54.3.
Rose Run Balance held off Bobrosshasspoken for third.
Keene Finale won for the 10th time this season for LeVan Stables, Megan and Harrison LeVan and Richard Freese.
Three reinsmen had driving doubles on the evening: Jeremy Smith, Austin Hanners and Brett Miller.
Racing at the Dayton oval continues on Wednesday (Oct. 28). The 14-race card will get kicked off with a 4 p.m. first post.