Driver Jeremy Smith gave Js Six Pak Attack a perfect trip behind the pacesetting Hangon Cowboy en route to winning the Saturday night $5,500 Open Pace in 1:53.3, generating a $28 payoff for a $2 bet
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Hangon Cowboy was coming off a dazzling 1:51.2 win at Scioto last week, a race in which he set all the fractions and won by more than 10 lengths. He was made a narrow favourite over Docs Yankee, winner of two straight at Scioto.
When starter Mike Woebkenberg let the field of eight pacers go, driver Jeff Nisonger shot Hangon Cowboy right to the front with Js Six Pak Attack getting the pocket trip behind the leader. Hangon Cowboy reached the quarter mile in :27.3, three ticks slower than last week.
Nisonger was able to rate Hangon Cowboy much better in the second quarter as he reached the half-mile marker in :57.4 versus :55 seconds last week. The slower tempo in the second quarter allowed Docs Yankee to move up on the outside following the cover of Look Yankee.
Then Nisonger stepped on the gas in the third quarter, covering that panel in :27 seconds and Look Yankees bid in the outer tier stalled. That caused Docs Yankee to lose a chance to launch his attack.
Hangon Cowboy entered the stretch looking like a winner as the co-favourite was well back and following dead cover. But the pace told on Hangon Cowboy in the stretch. Js Six Pak Attack, What A Smile, and Lima Ritch swarmed out from behind the tiring leader and raced to be the first to the wire. At the finish, Js Six Pak Attack was one and three-quarter lengths ahead of What A Smile, who nosed out Lima Ritch for the place money. Hangon Cowboy faded to finish fifth while Look Yankee and Docs Yankee wound up sixth and seventh, respectively.
Js Six Pak Attack had finished second in his last three starts, but his victory was only his third win in a dozen starts this seasons. The four-year-old gelding is owned by Lester Holton of Middletown, Ohio and lowered his career record by almost four seconds. Calvin Wright trains the pacer.
Chris Page, leading driver at Scioto, scored four wins on the 10-race card.
(Scioto Downs)