Despite leaving from the outside post nine in a talented field of 10 pacers, Swingtown proved best on Halloween night, Saturday, Oct. 31 at Hollywood Gaming Dayton Raceway, grinding to score a hard-fought victory in the $41,667 Horses and Geldings Open Handicap Pace.

Driven by Chris Page and trained by Ron Burke, Swingtown sat just off the early pace as Win Lous Or Draw (Cam McCown) blasted from the gate and led the field past the opening panel in :26.3. Page had Swingtown on top as they crossed the line for the first time and rated him to a half of :55.2.

Marvin Luna had the bettors' choice, Rock Shines Again, out and challenging the leader at the three-quarters in 1:22.4. As they headed down the lane, a pocket-sitting Win Lous Or Draw ducked into the passing lane, and Rock Shines Again went to the outside, but Swingtown was too strong. He won by a half-length in 1:50 with Win Lous Or Draw second and Rock Shines Again third.

Swingtown, a Grand Circuit regular, got his second win from 18 starts on the season. The four-year-old Downbytheseaside-Swinging Beauty stallion, a career winner of $1.6 million and 12 races from 49 starts, is owned by Burke Racing Stable LLC, Hatfield Stables, Knox Services Inc. and R A S Racing LLC. He paid $9.40 to win.

She didn't take the Open, but trainer Jessica McCown had a big night nonetheless with three wins on the 14-race card. With her husband, Cam, in the sulky, she won with Handsome Sir (1:51.3, $10.80), Medoland Terror (1:51.4, $7.20) and Nashing Hill (1:51, $13.20). The couple also had a pair of seconds and three thirds on the evening.

Trevor Smith and Chris Page also recorded driving triples.

Racing action returns to the Dayton oval on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

(Dayton Raceway)