Dayton, OH — Sure Did (Marvin Luna) received a perfect second-over trip and secured a half-length victory in a $18,000 condition claiming event on Tuesday (Nov. 25) at Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway.
A trio of trotters were sent to the lead off the gate’s wings. Southernsunshine (Brett Miller) stuck a head in front at the opening quarter in :27.1 with Helpspaythebills (Tyler Smith) in the pocket.
As the field went by the stands the first time, Fruit Snacker (Kevin Lambright) was the first to pull, giving the eventual winner lively cover.
The half-mile was in :57.3 and three-quarters in 1:25.4.
Fruit Snacker and Sure Did battled in the lane, with the later crossing the line first in 1:55.2 over the ‘good’ surface.
Helpspaythebills held on for third.
The sophomore son of You Know You Do is trained by Walter Haynes Jr. for the partnership of Matthew Miller and John McGill.
In the afternoon’s first race, a $15,000 conditioned pace, the meet’s leading driver, Chris Page, gave Boomerang a pocket trip and the 3-year-old responded with a solid 1:50.3 effort.
Be Ready To Rock (Luke Hanners) was the best as the gate opened, putting Boomerang in the early pocket.
The field of six raced in single file through the opening panels of :27 and :55.3.
Before Be Ready To Rock reached the three-quarters in 1:23, Page sent Boomerang after the leader and pulled away by 3-1/4 lengths thanks to a :27.2 final quarter.
The Downbytheseaside gelding was recently purchased by Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, Knox Services and James Zito.
Page finished the evening with four wins.
Racing returns to Hollywood Gaming on Wednesday (Nov. 26). Free past performance pages are available at www.hollywooddaytonraceway.com.