Although he notched five wins at Ohio county fairs in his first summer of competition, provisional driver Case Bateson walked out of the Hollywood Dayton Raceway paddock on Monday with a little added pep in his step.
The 19-year-old son of Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association president Steve Bateson captured an $11,500 condition race in just his third pari-mutuel track effort. He swung wide into the stretch and collared pacesetting favourite Starthimup (Tony Hall) midway down the lane to score with Rock N Randy V, who Case co-owns with his father. The five-year-old son of Pet Rock is trained by Jason Brewer—for whom Case has been working and getting experience while learning the ropes.
“I hope to make it a career,” beamed Bateson following the victory. “I’ve moved closer to Jason’s training center and am enjoying learning everything I can.”
“Trust me, this doesn’t mean his stall cleaning days are over,” laughed Brewer, a winner of over 4,000 races in his driving career. Not to be outdone, Brewer captured the very next race with Rock N Randy V stablemate Modern Rock AS in 1:52.3.
Hollywood Dayton races every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Post time is 4 p.m. every day except Monday, when the action kicks of at 2 p.m.
(Hollywood Dayton Raceway)