Going as the 9-5 favourite, Lifeonthebeach A landed on the front and held firm through the finish to take the $18,000 Open Pace at Scioto Downs on Saturday (May 30).

Driver Chris Page pushed Lifeonthebeach A to the lead from post 5 while pylon-starter General Dolan yielded for the pocket. The Ron Burke trainee led unchallenged through opening splits of :27.1 and :55.2 before enduring a first-over challenge from Dancin Dragon nearing three-quarters in 1:23.4. Lifeonthebeach A maintained a length lead on Dancin Dragon spinning into the stretch but the margin gradually slimmed as Dancin Dragon edged closer. Dancin Dragon slid closer to the front nearing the finish but came a neck short of Lifeonthebeach A in a 1:51.2 mile. My Hero Ron, racing second over, finished third.

A six-year-old gelding by Somebeachsomewhere, Lifeonthebeach A won his fifth race from nine starts this season and his 19th from 64 overall, earning $140,632. Burke Racing Stable LLC and Weaver Bruscemi LLC own the $5.60 winner.

Trainer Virgil Morgan Jr. sent three winners on the 14-race card. He won a pair of races midway through the card with Im A Big Deal ($4.00) and two races later with Southport Beach ($3.00). His third victory came in the nightcap when Southern Swagger ($3.00) delivered as the heavy favourite.