Gabby’s Rockytop (Triumphal caviar) used a patient harness race ride from Emanuel Miller to score an overwhelming victory in the featured $18,000 conditioned claiming trot feature in Tuesday’s (Oct. 14) nighttime action at Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway.
When the field of nine was sent out, a three-wide battle began with Gabbys Rockytop, Send Rip (Hugh Beatty) and the heavy favorite Elegant Resolve (Luke Hanners).
The favorite pulled ahead in the opening quarter in :27.4. Send Rip was parked second.
Beatty had Rip on top before they crossed the line for the first time, passing the half-mile station in :56.4.
A first move by sophomore General Grant (Austin Hanners) forced Elegant Resolve out of the pocket.
A three-wide move down the backstretch saw General Grant leading the troops at the three-quarter mark in 1:24.3.
Miller found some daylight and pulled the four-year-old Triumphant Caviar gelding off the rail in third, just as the leader took a bad step and was pulled to the inside.
Gabbys Rockytop defeated the tiring Send Rip in the final steps and took a lead victory in 1:54.2.
GABBYS ROCKTOP REPEAT
Long Ridge (Trevor Smith) rallied for third. Its Swan Time (Pay Melloy) finished third, but ended up eighth due to racing inside the pylons. Elegant Resolve was elevated to the final superfecta spot.
The winner, who paid $21.60 to win, is co-owned by trainer Chris Beaver, breeder Johanna Beaver, Mineral Lick Farm and Steven Zeehandelar.
Austin Hanners and Southern Rockfest won the fastest race of the night at $14,000 conditioned pace in 1:52.
Mama Said Zip It (Emanuel Miller) received the first call and powered the Southern Rockfest favorite through the opening quarter in :27.3.
Miller had the second son of Pet Rock taking the lead well before half time at :55.3. The three quarters was in 1:23.2.
Southern Rockfest pulled away and was 2 ½ lengths better than Garoppolo (Tyler Smith), who used the passing lane. Mama Said Zip It retained third place.
Southern Rockfest picked up its fifth of the season and seventh of his career for co-owners Brian Larrick and trainer Bret Schwartz.
Hanners would win three races that evening. A quartet of other riders – Trevor Smith, Josh Sutton, Ken Holliday and Brett Miller – had a doubles match.
Dayton Raceway’s week continues tomorrow with a 14-race card on Wednesday evening. First post is 4pm.
For full race results, click here: American trotting results
By means of Jay Wolf for Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway
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