Three mares took on the boys in the $24,000 Open Trot on Tuesday (Oct.11) at Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway and it was Wildfire Seelster, a six-year-old mare, who came out on top.
Leaving from the inside post, Wildfire Seelster protected position to get away third. After an opening quarter in :27.2, driver Dan Noble pulled the daughter by Explosive Matter first up before the half. Despite a tough trip two-wide the remainder of the mile, 8-1 Wildfire Seelster crossed the finish line first in 1:53.4. Thunder (Brett Miller) was second while Lane Of Stone (Jeff Nisonger) completed the trifecta.
The Open victory gave Wildfire Seelster her eighth win of the season. Conditioned by Herman Hagerman, the mare has banked more than $383,000 in her career. Wildfire Seelster is owned by Autobahn Racing Stable.
Vel Jail Bondsman took the $15,000 Hollywood Dayton Mini Series Trot final in 1:59. The conditioned mini series for non-winners of one parimutuel race or $10,000 lifetime had a single qualifying leg before the top three finishers in each division were invited back to compete in the final.
Confident after winning the mini series' opening leg last week, 2-1 Vel Jail Bondsman sped off the gate and settled into a pocket trip. Driven by Bradley Ferguson, the three-year-old gelded son by Jailhouse Jesse followed covered behind the 6-5 favourite, Naranjo. Onto the backside and through the final turn, Vel Jail Bondsman battled Naranjo for the lead. Digging in until the last step, Vel Jail Bondsman stopped the clock in 1:59. Mjs Wishinforpete (Chris Presley) finished second with Mikel Lou (Jason Beattie) in third.
Larry King conditions Vel Jail Bondsman for Nick Katterhenry.
The $25,000 Super High 5 guaranteed pool for race nine had five winning tickets, each paying out $11,343.18. With $15,502 carried into the guaranteed pool, more than $53,000 new money was put into played. Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway provides the 20-cent Super High 5 wager everyday during races four, nine and the finale. Free programs are always available online.
Live racing will resume Wednesday (Oct. 12) at Dayton Raceway with first post at 4 p.m.
(Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association)