DAYTON, OH. – Nuclear Dragon returned to Ohio with his usual flare on Saturday (Oct. 27), winning the $18,500 Open Handicap Pace from an assigned outside post position in 1:51.2.
Since his last start at Hollywood Dayton Raceway, he was shipped to metropolitan New York for a try in the $250,000 Dan Rooney Invitational at Yonkers, which didn't go well as the 6-year-old son of Nuclear Breeze faded to a last place finish after speeding to the lead early against the likes of McWicked, Bit Of A Legend and others.
Now back in the barn of trainer-driver Dan Noble, Nuclear Dragon again left with alacrity, stopping the first quarter mile beam in :27.2 as he crossed over to the front of the field. After coasting through middle fractions of :55.3 and 1:22.3, the winner tacked on a :28.4 final panel over a rain-soaked racing strip to hold off a determined Hot Rod Dylan (Juan Franco) and late-charging Nine Ways (Jeremy Smith) for his ninth seasonal victory.
Hot Rod Dylan made an uncharacteristic break in stride before the gate swung open and spotted the field nearly ten lengths before catching the field and launching a first-over attack throughout the entire final lap.
The triumph put owner Richard Mishkin's prize possession over the $354,000 earnings plateau. He paid $5.60 to his mutual supporters, while the exacta was worth $23.40.
Racing resumes with matinee programs on both Monday and Tuesday at Hollywood Dayton. First race post time is 2:15 p.m.
From Dayton Raceway