Dayton, OH — Heavily favored Seismic Step received a confident drive from Chris Page and cruised to an open-length victory in the featured $18,500 conditioned trot on Tuesday (Oct. 13) at Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway.
The eventual winner found himself in between Herecomescharlie B (Jeremy Smith) and Dans Credit (Luke Plano) during an early three-wide skirmish for the lead.
Dans Credit stuck a head in front but jumped off stride, giving the lead to Seismic Step at the opening quarter in :27.1. The 1-5 bettors’ choice had the respect of his competitors and was able to get a :29.1 second-quarter breather. Seismic Step opened up at the three-quarters in 1:24.1 and coasted to a 4-3/4-length win in 1:53.4.
The pocket-sitting Hecercomescharlie B was second and Forceful Power (Hugh Beatty) came up the passing lane to nab third.
The Chapter Seven 4-year-old now has two wins and two second-place finishes in four starts since joining the Michael Hitchcock barn for William Hartt, who purchased the gelding in mid-September.
In the $14,500 conditioned pace, Indiana invader Rita’s Girl and driver Kevin Detweiler went gate-to-wire in a lifetime best 1:54.4.
The pacesetting Stormy (Auston Hanners) was 1-1/4 lengths behind the 3-year-old Highalator filly in second. Taylorsseconddance (Jason Beattie) completed the trifecta.
Rita’s Girl is conditioned by Joseph Wagler for Ernest Wagler.
Detewiler is an up-and-coming Hoosier reinsman. The 18-year-old from Milroy, Ind., currently has a .420 Universal Driver Rating and 116 seasonal wins.
Driver Chris Page enjoyed a big night with six wins during the 14-race card. Besides the feature, Page also scored with Just Foolin Around (1:54.3), Smokeitsteady (1:57), Mandaloun (1:53.3), Mooter Tooter (1:54.4) and Street Beats (1:52.3).
Kayne Kauffman was the only other driver to double up.
Racing action at Dayton resumes Wendesday (Oct. 14) with a 4 p.m. first post. Free past performance pages are available at hollywooddaytonraceway.com/racing.