A stacked field of aged pacers went behind the gate for the $29,000 featured Open at Eldorado Scioto Downs on Saturday (July 16), and Later Dudes came out on top to post a lifetime-best mile.
Later Dudes claimed the victory in 1:49. Despite an opening quarter in :26, Later Dudes left the rail to make an early move for the front. The five-year-old gelded son of Sweet Lou quickly gained control of the field and never looked back. At 9-1, Later Dudes upset 2-1 Makin Some Noise who finished second and even-money favourite Ocean Rock in third.
Later Dudes has more than doubled his lifetime earnings in 2022. In 24 seasonal starts, the gelding has scored 10 victories, three seconds, and four thirds. His lifetime earnings now boast over $242,000. Ron Burke trains and co-owns Later Dudes alongside Weaver Bruscemi. Tony Hall sat in the bike.
Live racing resumes Tuesday (July 19) at Eldorado Scioto Downs with a 16-race program. First post is 3:15 p.m. (EDT).
(Scioto Downs)