The 2023 harness racing season at Dayton Raceway begins on Tuesday, Sept. 26 with first race post time at 4 p.m.
The opening card has drawn 127 horses, set to compete over the course of 14 races. Highlighting the program is a $13,000 conditioned trotting event and the 2-1 morning line favourite is post four starter Simply Hill, who will seek her fourth win of the year after a runner-up finish in the Ohio Sire Stakes consolation for three-year-old trotting fillies. Tony Hall will drive the daughter of What The Hill for trainer Anette Lorentzon and and owner JP Racing LLC.
The program will also feature a $13,000 conditioned pace for fillies and mares. Hoofprintinthesand is the early 3-1 favourite from post five for trainer Jessica McCown and driver Cameron McCown. The three-year-old daughter of Downbytheseaside will look to score her eighth win of the season after a successful tour of the Ohio Fair circuit for owner Shawn Harville.
Dayton's 2022 leading trainer, Jason Brewer, will look to start the 2023 season on the right foot with four horses entered on the Tuesday card: Aquatica (race two), Obiwon Kobi (race three), Zavian (race eight) and Chikaboo (race 13).
There will be 12 per cent takeout rates for Dayton's elusive Pick 5 wager and 15 per cent takeout on the track's Pick 3 and Pick 4. The Super, High 5, Pick 3, Pick 4 and Pick 5 will also have a 100 per cent carryover net pool into the next card of racing.
On Saturday, Sept. 30, Dayton Raceway will host its premiere night featuring four Dayton Derby races for both male and female trotters and pacers. Each Dayton Derby event will have a purse of $250,000. The Dayton Derby card will also feature Buckeye Stallion Series finals with each division racing for a purse of $75,000.
Live harness racing will take place five days a week at Dayton Raceway from Sept. 26 through Dec. 30 with post time at 4 p.m. Trackside seating is available to fans and patrons for an up close and interactive view.
Opening day entries are available by clicking here.
(With files from Dayton Raceway)