Rockin Finish pulled off a mild upset in the $15,000 Open I Pace at Hollywood Dayton Raceway on Saturday night (September 24), beating the best horses currently competing in southern Ohio in 1:50.1.

It was the second straight victory at Dayton for the seven-year-old gelding, who topped the Open II bunch a week earlier.

Sent off at 9-2 odds, Rockin Finish and driver Jeremy Smith held off a late charge from runner-up Angelo J Fra (Chris Page), who was dispatched at 7-1 on the toteboard. Co-favourites Mykindachip (Dan Noble) and Tinhorn Creek (Josh Sutton) raced creditably and finished third and fourth, respectively.

Smith, who won two other races on the program, raced fourth through the first quarter in :26.4, but moved boldly into first-over position well before the :54.3 midway marker. By the three-quarter clocking in 1:21.4, Rockin Finish was lapped on to pacesetter Angelo J Fra, then looked him in the eye and went right on by in the stretch.

Tyler George, whose pupil Secret Threat captured the Open II a race earlier, trains the winner for owner Gerrie Tucker.

The excitement continues to build at Hollywood Dayton Raceway as the Friday (September 30) Grand Circuit program nears. The $150,000 Dayton Pacing Derby is expected to feature a much-anticipated rematch showdown between powerhouses Wiggle It Jiggleit and Always B Miki. The $160,000 (est.) Dayton Trotting Derby also has a list of distinguished nominees who rank among the best trotters currently racing in the world. Post time for the marquee program of the meet will be 6:15 p.m.

(Dayton)