My Hero Ron rode the rail behind a swift pace, capitalizing off his ground-saving trip to win the $24,000 Open I Pace at Miami Valley Raceway on Saturday, March 24.

Driver Tyler Smith left with My Hero Ron, getting away third and sitting through quick early fractions of :26.4 and :54.4. He coasted at the inside as a slew of challengers pressured pacesetter Night Pro, who battled with first-over Mykindachip through three-quarters in 1:23.

Reclaiming the top as Mykindachip faded out of contention, Night Pro maintained the lead through most of the stretch. The race-leader drifted off the rail approaching the line, allowing My Hero Ron to shoot through at the pylons and win in 1:51.1. Night Pro held second and Lucky Lime sneaked into contention for third.

My Hero Ron, a six-year-old gelding by Well Said, is owned by Brian Witt and Cory Atley. Trained by Dan Dubeansky, he has won three races in six starts this season, banking $51,900 already this season and $667,663 overall.

A $20,000 Open II Pace earlier on the card was captured by Hawks Red Chief, a seven-year-old I Scoot Hanover. The Ron Burke trainee bested Stuckey Dote and Fancy Creek Elusiv in 1:51 with Chris Page in the bike.

A trio of $15,000 divisions for the opening preliminary of the Tom Tharps Memorial Series late closer, for non-winners of six pari-mutual races or $60,000, were also contested.

Herehecomesarockin, driven by Jared Finn, crushed the first split with a 1:52.4 mile. Classy Hill and Gitn Drunkonaplane were second and third, respectively.

Mojoto Hanover, steered by Tyler Smith, proved best in the middle division, topping Sossy’s King Kong and Barley Up in 1:52.2.

Out For A Rip, piloted by Kayne Kauffman, pounced from the pocket in the stretch win narrowly in 1:53 over McLucky and He’snosweetie.

Racing resumes Sunday, March 25 at Miami Valley with a 2:05 p.m. matinee. Driver Dan Noble is just one victory away from the 5,000 wins plateau and is scheduled to compete in ten races on the 14-race program.

(With files from Miami Valley)