Ss Druidstone sprinted past the pacesetting Johnny Up in the lane after a pocket trip to win the $28,571 conditioned claiming feature pace on Thursday, Oct. 1 at Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway.

Driver Luke Ebersole had Ss Druidstone in an early battle with Johnny Up (Tyler Smith) in the first eighth of the mile, with the latter finally drawing ahead at the quarter in :26.4. The top five positions remained unchanged at the :56.2 half and 1:23.3 three-quarters. As the field of nine rounded the final turn, Ss Druidstone received his cue and blew by the tiring leader, crossing the line in 1:52 to score a 13-1 upset. Johnny Up was two lengths back in second, and Boardwalk Jack (Austin Hanners) rallied from mid-pack to pick up the show spot.

Ss Druidstone notched his seventh career win in 61 starts. Danny Dubeansky trains the four-year-old gelded son of Downbytheseaside-Be My Luck for Brian Witt. The win payout was $29.60.

Driver Luke Hanners tallied four wins on the 14-race card, taking sole control of the Dayton drivers' standings. The 25-year-old reinsman scored with Rock The Hill (1:51.4, $4.20), Out To Get Lucky (1:51.2, $3.20), Jimmy L (1:50.1, $2.80) and Charge Me Up (1:51.1, $4.40).

Kayne Kauffman and the Smith brothers - Tyler and Trevor – had driving doubles.

Friday’s 14-race card, featuring the eight Buckeye Stallion Series consolations for $25,000 USD each, will kick off at 4 p.m.

Saturday’s $1.7 million USD stakes card is highlighted by the four $250,000 USD Dayton Derbies. Several of North America’s top horses will compete, including Super Chapter ($3.9 million in career earnings), On To Norway ($1.7 million), Lexus Kody ($3 million), Ervin Hanover ($1.9 million), Coaches Corner ($2.3 million), Yo Tillie ($1.9 million) and Twin B Joe Fresh ($3.7 million). Saturday’s first post will be at 6:30 p.m.

(With files from Dayton Raceway)