DAYTON, OH. – Driver Travis Seekman guided a pair of Illinois invaders to the Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway winner's circle on Saturday night (Oct. 20), capturing both the $17,500 Open I and the $15,000 Open II paces.
Hot Rod Dylan, trained by Nelson Willis, triumphed for just the third time in 2018 in the Open I, beating Snowball's Romeo (Josh Sutton) and Winwood Mac (Chris Page) in 1:52.3 on a night when strong winds were taking a toll on the horses.
Snowball's Romeo sped to an early lead posting an opening panel in :26.2. After tripping the middle beams in :54.3 and 1:22.3 he lead a well-bunched field that fanned out for the stretch drive. Hot Rod Dylan benefitted from the pocket ride throughout most of the mile and moved into the outer flow at the three quarters station–in time to gradually push to a narrow victory. Winwood Mac, last week's winner, was forced to race first-up on the outside much of the way but still managed a show finish.
Shirley LeVin owns Hot Rod Dylan, a 5-year-old son of Somebeachsomewhere who has 15 lifetime wins in just 51 career starts.
Feelnlikearockstar upset the Open II field at 16-1 odds for Seekman, topping fellow Illinois ship-ins Account Rollover (Dan Noble) and Jewel Maker (Juan Franco).
The 6-year-old winner also benefitted from a two-hole trip behind the eventual runnerup, who posted fractional clockings of :27.4, :56.3 and 1:24.2 before relinquishing the lead mid-stretch of the 1:53.3 mile. Trainer Perry Smith co-owns Feelnlikearockstar with Sawgrass Farms LLC. It was the fourth seasonal victory from 30 starts for the son of Artstanding.
Hollywood Dayton is seeking gray or roan horses for its second annual Gray Ghost race on the Tuesday, October 30 matinee. Interested trainers can enter online or call the race secreetary at 937-235-7859.
From Dayton Raceway Media Department