For the first time in the 2022 meet, the $24,000 Open Handicap Pace at Hollywood Dayton produced a sub-1:50 winner. Brookview Bullet invaded from Indiana on Saturday night (Oct. 29) and proceeded to shoot down seven rivals in 1:49.3 for his fifth win of the year, the others coming at Hoosier Park.
Driver Trevor Smith was one of four drivers vying for the lead in the early going, but Somebaddude eventually won the initial fray reaching the top as the field sped past the first quarter marker in :26.2. Brookview Bullet settled briefly for a seat, but was right back out with a first-over attack long before the halfway point was reached in :54.3. By the time the horses reached the three-quarters in 1:22, the winner had the lead but was still outside of Somebaddude. Brookview Bullet was by far the best in the lane, adding to his lead with every stride. His final panel in :27.3 widened his final margin.
Favored Hezzz A Wise Sky rallied from far back early to gain the second spot, while Gold Digger King drafted behind the place finisher to grab the show spot.
The Eleven Star Stables own Brookview Bullet, a four-year-old son of Always A Virgin. It was his 12th win and increased his lifetime bounty to $264,121.
Earlier on the card, Nuclear Dragon (Jeremy Smith) captured a $14,500 conditioned pace in 1:50.3 for his 49th career victory, increasing his life earnings to $651,559. The 10-year-old son of Nuclear Breeze now sports back-to-back seasons with 11 wins and earnings over $110,000 each year. Included in his plethora of wins was a world-record performance last April to become the fastest horse ever in a five-eighths mile dash over a five-eights mile track at Miami Valley.
Hollywood Dayton races on a Tuesday through Saturday schedule through Dec. 30. Post time is 4:00 p.m. (EDT) daily.
(Hollywood Dayton Raceway)