While Alexa Skye took all the early betting action, it was The Pantheist who prevailed in the $25,000 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace at Dayton Raceway on Friday, Oct. 20.
Leaving from post four, Alexa Skye quickly launched off the car to take early command of the tempo, setting early fractions of :27.3 and :57.1 with The Pantheist A sitting tight in the pocket. A first-over bid against Alexa Skye from Lee Loo prompted the pace to quicken to three-quarters in 1:25.1. Looking for the passing lane, The Pantheist A made her move up the inside to edge out Alexa Skye by half a length at the end, stopping the clock in 1:53.4.
Trevor Smith, fresh off his 1,000th career driving win on Thursday, piloted The Pantheist A to victory for trainer Erv Miller and owner Douglas Overhiser. The seven-year-old Bettors Delight mare now boasts 15 lifetime wins -- seven this year after going winless in six 2022 starts -- with career earnings passing the $300,000 mark.
The Pantheist A paid $7.80 to win as the 5-2 second choice.
(With files from Dayton Raceway)