Dayton, OH — Stablemates Fear Danie and Tr’sshining Star, both trained by Heather France, battled to the wire before Fear Danie emerged victorious by the slimmest of margins in a lifetime best 1:51.1 in Thursday’s (Oct. 29) $30,000 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap at Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway.
Leaving from post 2 with Brett Miller in the sulky, Fear Danie settled fourth in the early stages as Dragon By The Sea (Tyler Smith) paced the quarter in :26.1 and remained on the lead through middle fractions of :55 and 1:22.4. Tr’sshining Star (Chris Page) used a first-up trip, pressuring the leader and providing cover for the eventual winner.
As the field rounded the final turn, Fear Danie angled three-wide off cover and surged past her stablemate in the final strides to secure the nose victory.
Tarshish (Jeremy Smith), closed well in the passing lane to finish third, just 1-1/2 lengths behind the winner, while Adashious Hanover (Austin Hanners) was fourth. The pacesetting Dragon By The Sea faded to last after setting all the early fractions.
The 4-year-old daughter of Fear The Dragon is owned by Eldo Leonelli.
In the $20,000 conditioned claiming pace, Harmonist and Marvin Luna sprang a minor upset using a second-over trip.
Harmonist was content to sit in fourth, watching an early three-wide battle between Eyes Up (Cameron McCown), Racin Like A Star (Kayne Kauffman) and Sadhaka N (Luke Hanners).
Sadhaka N wrestled away the lead and dictated the pace through fractions of :27, :55.3 and 1:23.1.
Racin Like A Star towed Harmonist down the backstretch and Luna sent the winner three-wide in the final bend.
Harmonist held off a late passing lane bid from Annabarry (Tyler Smith) by a scant nose in 1:53.
Sadhaka N holding gamely for third, just a half length behind the winner.
The victory was the seventh of the season for Harmonist, who is trained by Henry Graber Jr. for the quartet of Michael Robinson, Steve Stewart, Frank Baldachino and Indiana Stables.
Backers of the sophomore filly by Papi Rob Hanover were rewarded with a $17.80 win dividend.
Drivers Chris Page and Tyler Smith both picked up three wins on the evening. Marvin Luna had a driving double.
Racing action at Dayton Raceway continues on Friday (Oct. 30) with another 14-race card.