Dayton, OH – Later Dudes made light work of the $23,000 Open Handicap Pace on Saturday (Oct. 15) at Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway.

Later Dudes scores in the $23,000 Open Handicap Pace in 1:50.1. Conrad Photo.

Guided by Tony Hall, the 5-year-old gelded son by Sweet Lou refused to race from the pocket. As soon as the dust settled, 6-5 favorite Later Dudes easily made his move to the front. Despite being assigned to post seven, the gelding held off his competitors and posted fractions in :26.1, :54.4, and 1:22.2 before stopping the clock in 1:50.1.

Odds On Shaggy (Mitch Cushing) was second with Modern Rock As (Dan Noble) finishing third.

Later Dudes is no stranger to the winner’s circle having hit the board 26 times in 33 seasonal starts. With 14 of those starts as victories, the Ron Burke trainee has banked $212,638 this year alone. Earlier this season, Later Dudes also set the track record for aged geldings at Eldorado Scioto Downs in 1:49. He is owned in partnership by his conditioner and Weaver Bruscemi.

At the conclusion of the 14-race card, Tyler Smith led drivers for the second day in a row with five victories. Noble followed closely behind with a triple on the night.

Live racing will resume Tuesday (Oct. 18) at Dayton Raceway. First post is 4 p.m. For more information on the facility and live racing season, visit the Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway website.

by Ashley Dailey, OHHA Public Relations Ambassador