DAYTON, OH. – The ultra-consistent My Hero Ron captured the $18,500 Open Pace at Hollywood Dayton Raceway on Saturday night (Dec. 22), his 25th on-the-board finish in 33 starts this year. Harness racing driver Tyler Smith ducked to the inside midstretch, just in time to sneak past longshots Hot Rod Dylan (Travis Seekman) and Night Pro (Dale Decker) in a thrilling photo finish. The 6-year-old son of Well Said's 1:53 triumph was his seventh of the season and increased his 2018 bankroll to $153,000. Career-wise the Danny Dubeansky trainee has amassed $770,000. My Hero Ron is owned by Brian Witt and Cory Atley.
Smith got a pocket ride for My Hero Ron behind pacesetter Winwood Mac for the first 7/8ths of the mile. 10-1 Night Pro made a monstrous move down the backside that fell just short in the end. He was followed by 30-1 Hot Rod Dylan who actually stuck a nose in front in deep stretch. My Hero Ron paid $5.20 to win as the favorite, but the 4-10 exacta returned a healthy $96.40 and a 50 cent trifecta paid $215.15 to lucky ticket holders.
Hollywood Dayton has just three programs left in its 75-day meet. Racing at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights (Dec. 27-29) will bring down the curtain on the new track's fifth and most successful season to date.
Gregg Keidel