With a total of 17 colt and gelding pacers dropped into the entry box for the opening leg of the Ideal Society Series at Maywood Park, racing secretary Doc Narotsky was forced to split Thursday’s first leg into a pair of $6,500 tussles.
In the first division Rock & Roll Stables' Dylan Rocks took advantage of his inside starting spot as he made every call a winning one in a snappy 1:56.2 on a chilly night.
Making his first start for trainer Kimberly Roth after being plucked out a conditioned-claiming event on January 31 at Balmoral Park, the altered son of Cole Muffler was confidently whisked through fractions of :28.1, :58.2 and 1:27.2 by driver Rick Dane, Jr.
With Newcomers Series champion American Interlude (driven by Lavern Hostetler) and the pocket-sitting favourite Ram It In (Sam Widger) both nipping at his heels through the stretch drive, Dylan Rocks gamely staved off the challenges of both rivals to win by a hard fought nose. Ram It In was forced to settle for the runner-up role while American Interlude was just one and a half lengths back in third.
The win was the first of the season for Dylan Rocks who returned $7.20, $2.80 and $2.60.
The second division produced a big upset as 12-1 outsider Who Am I took advantage of a miscue by the 3-5 favourite Sign The Prenup and came flying through the lane to win by a half-length in 1:58.
Despite being impeded when the heavy favourite went off stride after the half-mile mark, driver-trainer Gary Rath still had the son of Arts Conquest in striking position as the field made its way around the final turn.
With early pace setter Rebel Gator (Rick Dane, Jr.) and a first-over Gordos Z Tam (Sam Widger) beginning to fade after splits of :28, :57.4 and 1:27, Who Am I swung to the outside of horses and managed to reel in the leaders in the closing strides. Gordos Z Tam held on for second while Rebel Gator wound up third.
The victory was the second in four starts this season for the Dean Alexander-owned gelding who returned mutuels of $26.40, $12.40 and $8.20.
Fans of Maywood Park could be in for some nice paydays on Friday night, as the Pick 5 ($2,572.03) and the High 5 wager ($7,453.41) will both have carryovers. The 14-race card gets underway at 7:20 p.m. (central).
(Maywood Park)