Winning Ticket cashed in on Wednesday (Dec. 7) at Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway, taking the $25,000 Open Handicap Trot in 1:55.
After being assigned post eight in a field of 10, 8-5 favourite Winning Ticket left conservatively off the gate. As the group passed the opening quarter in :28, the four-year-old gelded son of Triumphant Caviar found live cover behind 5-1 Magic Night. Driven by Trevor Smith, Winning Ticket stayed patient as the remaining fractions came in :56.4 and 1:26. Rounding the final turn, the gelding spotted his chance. Pulling three-wide, Winning Ticket easily blew by his competitors in 1:55. Magic Night finished second while Shine All The Way completed the trifecta.
Just last year, Winning Ticket was named the 2021 Three-Year-Old Colt Trotter of the Year in Ohio. Trained by Chris Beaver, the gelding has now amassed $549,510 in lifetime earnings. Wednesday's victory marked the 17th career win for Winning Ticket. He is owned in partnership by his conditioner as well as Steven Zeehandelar, Tim Homan and Jim Burnett.
Live racing will resume Thursday (Dec. 8) at Dayton Raceway with first post at 4 p.m.
(Hollywood Dayton)