Harness racing is a family affair for most and it was no more obvious than on Thursday (Nov. 3) at Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway when cousin drivers Tyler Smith and Austin Hanners crossed the finish line together in the evening's 12th race.
Driven by Smith, 9-2 Makeitagaingo protected her rail position off the gate. While Makeitagaingo settled into a pocket trip, Hanners got away fourth with 4-5 favourite Spee Dee Shark. Headed to the half, Spee Dee Shark made her move and easily gained control of the field. After racing conservatively along the rail, Makeitagaingo pulled three-wide at the top of the stretch to challenge Spee Dee Shark. With a surge for home, the pair came to the wire together in 1:52.4.
Fancy And Fast (Tony Hall) finished third by a neck.
The win marked the first seasonal victory at Dayton Raceway for Makeitagaingo. Trained by Robert Taylor, the five-year-old daughter of Riggins has hit the board 12 of 31 starts this year. Makeitagaingo has bankrolled $127,721 in lifetime earnings for owner Devon Miller.
Spee Dee Shark, a seven-year-old Shark Gesture mare, has now tallied four wins in 2022. In 32 seasonal starts, the mare has banked $51,920 and is now just shy of $187,000 in lifetime earnings. Art Gregory Jr conditions Spee Dee Shark for owner Frank Marcolini.
Smith ended the 14-race card with a driving grand slam while Hanners followed closely behind with a triple.
Live harness racing will resume Friday (Nov. 4) at Dayton Raceway with first post at 4:00 p.m. Free programs are always available online. For more information on the facility and live racing season, visit the Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway website.
(Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association)