A perfect drive by Josh Sutton and a tiring leader, who opened a lane up the inside in the stretch, allowed Pine Dream to win the Thursday $17,500 Open Trot at Hollywood Dayton Raceway.

It was the seven-year-old’s ninth 2019 score and increased his seasonal earnings to $140,000.

Sutton urged Pine Dream to leave the gate alertly from his outermost post position. Elmo Blatch (Jason Beattie), the eventual runner up, also sped away from the starting car quickly forcing Pine Dream to squeeze into the two hole nearing the :28 first quarter station.

A pocket ride continued for the winner through :57.1 and 1:25.3 middle intervals as favoured Voyage To Paris (Dan Noble) pressured the leader on the outside, before settling for third in the end.

When Elmo Blatch tired and drifted slightly in mid-stretch Sutton took full advantage guiding Pine Dream up the inside opening for a neck decision in 1:55.2.

Merv Chupp trains Pine Dream for the Chupp Racing Stable Inc. He returned $13.40 to win.

(Hollywood Dayton Raceway)