Even money favourite Jackson One took command in the $5,550 Open Pace at Scioto Downs after the quarter-mile on Saturday night
. Then driver J.D. Wengerd looked over his shoulder and saw a challenge from 5-2 second choice Whersmeluckycharms and driver Dan Noble.
Wengerd could have let Noble go and followed his cover in the six-horse field, but he opted to defend his lead. That resulted in a third-quarter duel that lasted :27.2 seconds before it was apparent that Jackson One would not be headed.
From that point, it was easy does it for the four-year-old gelding as Jackson One pulled away to win in 1:53, dropping his lifetime mark almost three seconds. His margin was four lengths.
Mms Shocking Guy was second while Bar Bs Apache Cam grabbed the show dough. Whersmeluckycharms faded to finish last.
Darrell Hooser trains Jackson One for owner-breeder Ronald Bates of Amanda, Ohio.
(Scioto Downs)