Lebanon, OH — Little Rocket Man won his third of the year and his second in a row, scoring a victory in this week’s (March 1) $36,000 Open Handicap pace.
Firing out from post six, Little Rocket Man (David Miller) was able to leave the gate hard and find a seat third behind the speed duel between Alta Revelry N and Joelsyy Hanover. Alta Revelry N (Trevor Smith) sped to the front, protecting rail position, but Joelsyy Hanover (Sam Widger) wanted the lead and pressed on to a speedy :26.3 opening quarter. The duel remained in high gear as the duo passed the stands for the first time. Joelsyy Hanover would eventually gain about a three-quarter-length lead before heading into the half turn, but Alta Revelry N decided not to cede the front as they passed the half on even terms in :54.3.
As they traveled up the backside, the hot fractions started to take their toll on Joelsyy Hanover and he ceded the lead and the race to fight another day. Alta Revelry N could find no relief though as Little Rocket Man popped out of the pocket and immediately challenged for the lead past the three quarters in 1:22.1. Around the final turn, Little Rocket Man inched ever closer, coming within a half length as they turned for home. Alta Revelry N continued to lead and tried to fight off Little Rocket Man, but the constantly-pressured mile proved to be too much. Little Rocket Man used his ground saving pocket trip to get up by a head at the wire in 1:50.1. A huge effort by Alta Revelry N was rewarded with second while Burnout (Austin Hanners) closed from last to finish third.
The win was the 82nd lifetime tally for the Ken Rucker trainee. Little Rocket Man is now just under $7,000 shy of joining the double millionaire club.
Luke Hanners led all drivers with a grand slam on the card while David Miller collected a driving triple. AJ Carlo, Virgil Morgan, Jr. and Henry Graber, Jr. each scored a training double.
Miami Valley returns Monday night (March 2) with a post time of 4 p.m.