Dayton, OH — Driver Tyler Smith stole the show at Hollywood Dayton on Saturday (Dec. 26) by winning both co-featured events, the $18,400 Open Handicap for male pacers and the $17,800 sister event for the best distaff pacers in the region.

Stars Align A returned from a 41-day layoff without missing a beat, topping GD Western Joe in 1:50.3. Conrad photo.

Despite a 41-day layoff, Smith hustled Stars Align A to an early lead in the ‘boys’ event before allowing GD Western Joe (Chris Page) to clear to the front just steps before the :26.3 first quarter. The winning 7-year-old unaltered son of Art Major enjoyed a pocket ride through middle fractions of :55.1 and 1:22.4, then swung to the outside coming off the final bend.

Despite a quick :27.4 closing quarter, Stars Align A managed to collar GD Western Joe in deep stretch for his tenth seasonal triumph and 34th lifetime from 91 races. Havefaithinme N (Trace Tetrick) finished a creditable third in the 1:50.3 mile.

Joshua Graber owns Stars Align A and entrusts the training to Christi Noble. He has now banked $465,398.

The Bethinator, a sophomore filly by Somebeachsomewhere, held off a fast-closing Miss You N (Jeremy Smith) to capture the Mares Open Handicap in 1:52.

The Bethinator held off Miss You N to win the Distaff Open. Conrad photo.

Summer Charm (Trace Tetrick) got the first quarter call in :26.3, but Smith had The Bethinator in high gear to grab the lead shortly thereafter. Following a breather to the :56.1 halfway marker, the winner was joined by Sugar Dance (Brett Miller) in a speed duel to the third timer in 1:23.4.

After racing side-by-side around the entire final turn, The Bethinator battled back inside and then barely held off Miss You N (Jeremy Smith) who made up about ten lengths in the last quarter before coming up just short in 1:52. It’s Time For Fun (Kyle Wilfong) garnered the show dough.

Veteran Nelson Willis conditions the homebred winner for Megan Rogers Racing Stables. She now sports a dozen victories over two years and has earned $119,154.

Tyler Smith wasn’t the only happy camper at Hollywood Dayton after the Saturday program. An all-time, all sources handle record of $726,775 was recorded to the delight of the entire racing management team, lead by Director of Racing Jason Bluhm. The old record of $664,945 was recorded on Dec. 23, 2019.

There are just three cards left in the 2020 Hollywood Dayton season. A trio of 14-race programs will be presented on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of the coming week. Each will begin at 1:30 p.m.