Dayton, OH — There was no denying the level of talent in the nine-horse field assembled for Saturday’s (Dec. 17) $25,000 Open Handicap Pace at Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway. Three geldings coming off Open-level wins — Let It Ride N, Later Dudes and Brookview Bullet — went head-to-head for the first time, however, 12-1 shot Rockin Speed stole the show.

While the three giants battled for the front, driver Jeremy Smith settled Rockin Speed into fifth. Odds-on favorite Let It Ride N reached the opening quarter in a blazing :25.4, but Brookview Bullet then quickly grabbed the lead and passed the half in :53.4. On the backstretch, Later Dudes found himself first-up and flying to the three-quarter pole in 1:21 while Rockin Speed played the long game at sat patiently along the rail in midpack. Headed into the final turn, Jeremy Smith popped the 7-year-old gelding’s earplugs and followed cover. Finding a new gear, Rockin Speed circled three-wide at the top of the stretch and closed strongly to win by a nose in 1:50.3.

Rockin Speed, dismissed at 12-1, rallied to win Saturday’s Open Handicap Pace at Dayton Raceway in 1:50.3. Conrad photo.

Later Dudes (Chris Page), the 5-2 second choice, held on for second while Robert Again (Brett Miller) finished third.

The victory marked the 10th of the season for Harrah’s Hoosier Park invader Rockin Speed, who returned $26.80 to win. The gelded son of Rockin Image has banked $131,445 this year and has surpassed $455,000 in lifetime earnings. Rockin Speed is owned in partnership by trainer Ken Rucker and Jack Freeman.

Live racing at Dayton Raceway will resume Monday (Dec. 19); first post is 4 p.m. Free programs and other information are available on the Dayton Raceway website.