Dayton, OH – Alta Revelry N rallied from last at the three-quarter pole, used a four-wide move around the final turn and recorded a 1:50.4 victory in the $30,000 Open Pace on Saturday (Oct. 10) at Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway.
Win Lous Or Draw was the first off the gate’s wings and led the opening quarter in :27. Huntinthelastdolar (driven by Tyler Smith) was hung out during the opening quarter and was hustled to the point before the half in :54.2. Higher Ground (David Miller), who never saw the pylons during the mile, was able to get within a length of Huntinthelastdolar at the three-quarter station in 1:22.1.
As the leading pair started to tire, the backfield started to bunch up, forcing Alta Revelry N (Trevor Smith) four-wide around the final turn and he swept past Higher Ground to win by a half-length. Win Lous Or Draw was three-quarters of a length back in third.
The Sunshine Beach gelding paid $27.20 to win. Antonia Storer trains the 8-year-old New Zealand-bred for J M F Racing.
In the $26,000 Open II Pace, Bright Bet went gate-to-wire and cruised to a 4-1/4-length win.
Bright Bet outdueled Let It Ride N (David Miller) for the early lead and control of the fractions. Better Is Nice (Trevor Smith) and Dandy’s Freedom (Brett Miller) applied the pressure down the Dayton backstretch, but Bright Bet uncorked a :27.1 final panel to score in 1:49.3.
Let It Ride N survived a three-way photo for place. I Did It Myway (Tyler Smith) was third and Dandy’s Freedom was fourth.
The Bettor’s Wish gelding is owned by the quartet of Let It Ride Stables, Island Sun Stable, Richard Freese and Eric Prevost. The meet’s leading trainer, Virgil Morgan Jr., conditions the winner.
The victory was one of four on the card for Luke Hanners. Driver Jeremy Smith also had a grand slam.
Racing action will resume at the Dayton Raceway on Monday (Oct. 12) with a 14-race card. First post is at 4 p.m. (EDT).