Dayton, OH – Tarzan and Marcus Miller capitalized on a pair of breaks in stride by the top two betting choices, pulling an upset in the $20,000 conditioned claiming trot Monday evening (Oct. 12) at Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway.
When the field of nine were sent on their way, the 1-9 choice Zidane Kemp (Luke Hanners) found himself in an early tussle with Wendalyn Hanover (David Miller).
The pressure caused Zidane Kemp to make a bobble, giving the lead to Wendalyn Hanover and putting the eventual winner into the pocket.
The opening quarter was in :27.1 and the half in :56, where the 5-1 Wendalyn Hanover made a break.
Having inherited the lead, Tarzan was able to cruise past the three-quarters in 1:25, crossing the line in 1:54.3.
Three long-shots completed the superfecta – Volstarita (Brett Miller; 60-1), Tactical Dynasty (Kyle Husted; 43-1) and Spiritual Faith (Jeremy Smith; 27-1).
The winner returned $47.40 and was the key to the $0.20 Superfecta tickets that returned $881.88.
Trainer Erv Miller co-owns the You Know You Do gelding with Anthony Lombardi.
Tarzan finds himself less than $5,000 from $250,000 in career earnings.
In the very next race, another 1-9 shot had a much easier time in the $14,500 conditioned pace.
The lightly raced freshman Livingood Hanover (Brett Miller) went gate-to-wire in a lifetime best 1:52.4.
Odds On Equity (Koltin Noble) was four lengths back in second. U Should B Dancin (Kayne Kauffman) was another half-length back in third.
The Downbytheseaside colt was a $200,000 purchase at last year’s Harrisburg yearling sale.
Livingood Hanover has now won two of his three career starts for Royal Wire Products.
Robert Cleary is the winning trainer.
Luke Hanners recorded a driving triple on the 14-race card. The Smith brothers – Tyler and Trevor – recorded doubles as did Brett Miller.
This week’s Dayton Raceway schedule will include cards on Tuesday (Oct. 13) through Thursday (Oct. 15).