Hanners, Morgan, Odds On Racing Sweep Dayton Opens
Driver Luke Hanners, trainer Virgil Morgan Jr., and owner Odds On Racing swept the Opens at Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway on Thursday, Oct. 30, winning with Foxy Hill and Hey Hey Mama over a wet track listed as good.
Foxy Hill swooped from last to take the $39,437 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace. Fearless Ginger (Chris Page) grabbed the early lead in the field of five and paced the opening panel in :27.1 and continued unopposed to the half in :56.1. Shadow Dancers (Jeremy Smith) was the first to chase the leader, providing cover for Celebrate Me Home (Brett Miller) past the three-quarters in 1:25.2. Fearless Ginger began to tire on the final turn, and Celebrate Me Home went three-wide and stuck a head in front in the lane. Foxy Hill then fired off a :28.2 final quarter to secure the half-length victory over Celebrate Me Home in 1:54.1 for her second straight win. A pocket-sitting Odds On Cinamon (Austin Hanners) was able to shake free late to pick up the third-place cheque.
Foxy Hill, a four-year-old daughter of Captaintreacherous-My Little Delight, was the longest shot on the board at 5-1 and returned $12.80 to her backers. She is now 11-for-43 lifetime.
In the $33,803 Fillies and Mares Open II Handicap Pace, Hey Hey Mama (Luke Hanners) protected her rail position and controlled the field of seven and the fractions. She put up splits of :27.1, :56.1, and 1:23.3 and opened up a comfortable lead at the top of the stretch. A :27.2 final panel completed a 1:51 victory by 6-3/4 lengths over the pocket-sitting Beautiful Lather (Jeremy Smith) and Strong Poison (Austin Hanners), who were second and third, respectively.
Morgan shares ownership in Hey Hey Mama, a five-year-old daughter of Downbytheseaside-Rolluptherim, with Odds On Racing. The mare picked up her 17th career victory in 65 outings. She paid $2.80 to win.
Morgan also won with Marloe Hanover ($5.80) in the 13th race with Austin Hanners aboard for owner Mark Graber to complete a training triple. The conditioner has accumulated 209 wins this season and is striking at an 18.4 per cent clip.
Dayton Raceway will host its next card on Friday, Oct. 31 with 14 races on a program starting at 4 p.m.
(With files from Dayton Raceway)