Dayton, OH — Rock Shines Again used a perfect pocket trip to capture the $30,000 Open Pace on Saturday night (Nov. 7) at Hollywood Gaming Dayton Raceway, stopping the timer in 1:49.3.
Driven by Marvin Luna for trainer Tyler George, the 4-year-old gelding sat just off the pace as Win Lous Or Draw (Cam McCown) carved out fractions of :26.2, :54.3, and 1:21.3. Riding the leader’s helmet throughout, Rock Shines Again ducked into the passing lane and surged past late to score by 1-1/2 lengths.
Higher Ground (David Miller), first-up most of the mile, finished a half-length ahead of pacesetter Win Lous Or Draw for second.
Owned by Redder Racing and T G Stable, Rock Shines Again returned $3.60 as the race favorite.
Luna collected three wins on the card.
Driver Luke Hanners also had a big night, recording four victories in the evening’s first eight races, including a pair of upset scores.
Hanners wasted little time getting started, guiding Deleston to a decisive 6-3/4-length victory in the opener. He later teamed up with Dancing Stranger in the $26,000 Open II Pace, sending the 3-year-old to the front and never looking back en route to a sharp 1:51 triumph.
Two of Hanners’ biggest wins came at generous prices. In Race 6, Tickertape Hanover rallied from the back of the pack to spring a 28-1 upset in 1:51.2. Hanners completed his grand slam evening in Race 8 with Boundtobefearless, who controlled the action from the outset and held pat by 2-1/2 lengths while returning $40.20 to win.