Less than two months ago, Mission Accepted kicked off Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway’s season by capturing the inaugural Open Trot coined “The Lidlifter.” After spending a few weeks at Northfield, Mission Accepted returned to Dayton to take the $24,000 Open Handicap Trot on Wednesday (Nov. 16).
Downgraded track conditions didn’t faze the seven-year-old son of Manofmanymissions one bit. Driven by Chris Page, Mission Accepted, the 2-1 favourite, rallied off the gate from post 8. Although two wide through the :28.1 opening quarter, Mission Accepted gained control of the field without hesitation. Never looking back, the horse posted the remaining fractions in :58. and 1:26.1 before stopping the clock in 1:55.2.
Co-favourite Rose Run Valor was second while Refined finished third.
The victory not only marked the fourth win in a row for Mission Accepted but pushed the horse over $100,000 in seasonal earnings. With 16 starts in 2022, Mission Accepted has now tallied six wins and hit the board an additional five times. The $1.3-million earner is trained by Ron Burke for owners Burke Racing Stable, Knox Services, David Wills, and Weaver Bruscemi. Beyond the racetrack, Mission Accepted pulls double duty and stands stud at Sugar Valley Farm in Delaware, Ohio.
Live racing will resume Thursday (Nov. 17) at Dayton Raceway with first post at 4 p.m. (EST).
(Hollywood Dayton Raceway)