Despite never seeing a pylon and still racing sixth at the three-quarter mile marker, Rockin Finish angled four-wide at the head of the stretch and swept to a 1:51.3 victory in Hollywood Dayton Raceway’s $15,000 Open Pace on Saturday night.
Driver Eric Goodell, recently relocated to southwest Ohio and planning to compete on the Hollywood Dayton-Miami Valley circuit throughout the winter, was in the sulky of the seven-year-old gelding who notched his 8th win of 2016 and 36th of his career.
Rockin Finish, a winner in excess of $500,000, is a son of Rocknroll Hanover, owned by Gerrie Tucker, and trained by Tyler George.
Hawks Red Chief (Chris Page) was hustled from the outside post position directly to the front, clearing to the pylons just past the :26.4 quarter-mile clocking. Tail Gunner Hall (Kyle Ater), who was last week’s feature race winner, settled into the pocket spot as favoured My Buddy Ninkster (Josh Sutton), who paced the third fastest mile in track history (1:50) in a conditioned race his last start, moved first-over into the outer flow early in the second quarter.
Eventual runner-up Sports Sinner (Dan Noble) took up residence in the second-over position throughout the middle stations with Rockin Finish in tow. The half was reached in :55 and the three-quarters in 1:22.1 before Rockin Finish collared the pacesetters during a :29.2 final panel. Sports Sinner was next best with My Buddy Ninkster holding on for third.
Dispatched at 7-1, Rockin Finish returned $17.60 to win.
(Hollywood Dayton Raceway)