Better Is Nice and driver Tyler Smith started alertly from post four and easily drove forward from the wings of Mike Woebkenberg’s starting gate. Joelsyy Hanover protected position from post two and came away with a pocket trip, while heavy favorites Im Skinnydipin N and Little Rocket Man came away third and fourth as the single file field fell through a quarter in :27.1.
Passing the stands for the first time, Little Rocket Man led the initial charge as Better Is Nice continued the lead through the half in :55.3. The pace quickened at the back while the order remained the same through three quarters at 1:22.4. Little Rocket Man came within striking distance of the pacer, but no closer, while Joelsyy Hanover lost some ground from the pocket as race favorite Im Skinnydipin N shuffled to near last place, albeit only five lengths off the lead. Heading home Better Is Nice found himself two lengths ahead with a tiring Little Rocket Man out and a blocked in Im Skinnydipin N waiting for the racing area.
The two lengths were all Smith needed and Better Is Nice cruised to victory in a sharp 1:50.1. Joelsyy Hanover managed to hold off a trio of challengers for second, while a late, hard charge from the latter closed I Did It Myway for third.
The win was the second in the last three starts in Open Company for Better Is Nice, and his 17th win in just 47 lifetime starts. The Mike Hitchcock-trained five-year-old improved his lifetime earnings to just over $1.2 million.
Trainers Jessica Millner and Tyler George each had a training double, while Jeremy Smith and Luke Hanners led all drivers with three wins each on the card.
The racing action returns Monday night (January 19) with a modest Pick 5 carry of $1,364. The Pick 5 starts in Race 2, post time for the card is 4:00 PM
For full race results, click here: American trotting results
#Front #running #masterclass #Nice