Dayton, OH – A stellar field of open trotters assembled Wednesday (Dec. 22) at Hollywood Dayton to chase a $28,000 purse in the weekly feature. Four current or former local track record holders for their age, sex and gait lined up behind the starting gate, but it wasn’t one of them who lowered a track standard. It was a newcomer, Pass The Vape (Trevor Smith), who scored in 1:52.2 to establish a new track record for older geldings.

Pass The Vape wins in a track record performance for Trevor Smith. Conrad photo.

Pass The Vape enjoyed a pocket ride as the top trotters cruised through fractions of :27, :55.3 and 1:23.2, then angled off the pylons to confront pacesetter Whata Swan (Tyler Smith) as the finish line approached. In the final stride, younger brother Trevor Smith urged Pass The Vape to a nose advantage over older brother Tyler Smith and Whata Swan. Refined (Mitch Cushing), the off time favorite, was next best followed by Mission Accepted (Josh Sutton) and Jailhouse Sam (Sandy Beatty). Pick Me Upper (Tony Hall), assigned an outside post position after winning two consecutive opens, was parked much of the mile and finished sixth in the eight horse field.

The new track standard of 1:52.2 knocked a tick off the old record of 1:52.3, established several years ago by Penn. Pass The Vape returned $20.40 for his record setting performance.

A mini-series final for non-winners of $2250 in their last four starts resulted in a thrilling race with all ten finalists within four lengths at the wire. Tru-Blu Hypnotic (Hall) edged out Mystical Charger (Tyler Smith) and Hoosier Celebrity (Sutton) in 1:54.4.

Tru-Blu Hypnotic wins in mini series action for Tony Hall. Conrad photo.

The winner is owned by trainer Jack McCall and paid his mutual backers a handsome $24 reward. The $2 exacta paid $176.40, the 50-cent trifecta kicked back $368.85, and a 10-cent correct superfecta was worth $863.35.

Racing resumes on Thursday (Dec. 23) at 4:00 p.m. Following a three day Christmas respite, the final four programs of the Hollywood Dayton meet will be presented Monday through Thursday (Dec. 27-30) with earlier 2:00 p.m. post times.