Im A Big Deal lived up to his name on Saturday, Nov. 23 at Hollywood Dayton Raceway.

The four-year-old son of Somebeachsomewhere, a recent $155,000 purchase at the Harrisburg sale, captured the $17,500 Open Pace in 1:50.2 over a sloppy track. The even-money favourite cut all the fractions of :26.4, :55.3 and 1:22.3 before tacking on a :28 final panel to top Fourboltmane and Eddard Hanover by open lengths.

A consistent 1:49 to 1:52 pacer at Harrah’s Philadelphia over the past several months leading up to his sale, earning $57,000 in 19 starts, Im A Big Deal had six wins for his former connections in 2019.

“Word was that he had some problems bearing in on the turns, preventing him from being a super horse,” said driver Brett Miller after the race. “Tonight, though, he steered perfectly. He’s a very nice horse.”

New owner Dana Parham has entrusted leading Ohio trainer Virgil Morgan Jr. to condition and manage the winner.

The feature race victory was one of five on the program for Hollywood Dayton dash leader Brett Miller. His other wins came behind Bottom Deals (1:52, $5.40), Major Deception (1:52.3, $5.40), My Buddy Ninkster (1:52.1, $7.80) and Blazin Baron (1:51.4, $4.80).

Racing resumes Monday and Tuesday afternoon at Hollywood Dayton with 2:05 p.m. matinees A special Wednesday (Nov. 27) evening program will replace the Thursday (Nov. 28) card due to Thanksgiving.

(Hollywood Dayton Raceway)