In her Open-level debut, 6-1 Ainthesamewithoutu produced a mild upset in the $23,000 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace on Friday (Nov. 18) at Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway.
Off the gate, the three-year-old daughter of Sweet Lou quickly settled into the pocket behind 3-5 favourite Velocity Lady. Driver Tony Hall sat patiently with Ainthesamewithoutu as the quarters came in :27, :56.3 and 1:23.3. At the top of the stretch, Ainthesamewithoutu popped the pocket and flew home in 1:52. She returned $14.80 to win.
Ainthesamewithoutu bested Velocity Lady (Jeremy Smith) in second while Marloe Hanover (Brett Miller) finished third.
Trained by Anette Lorentzon, Ainthesamewithoutu has tallied four wins in 2022. In 18 seasonal starts, the mare has banked $61,345 and is now just shy of $122,000 in lifetime earnings. Ainthesamewithoutu was bred and is owned by her conditioner.
The Great Lakes Amateur Drivers Association also stopped by Dayton Raceway for their lone start of the season.
Amateur driver Dan Venier and his mount Herecomescharlie B took the $12,000 event in gate-to-wire fashion. The five-year-old gelded son of Full Count went off as the 4-5 betting favourite. Opening up by two lengths, the pair’s victory came in 1:56.2. Venier bred, owns, trains and drives Herecomescharlie B.
At the conclusion of the 14-race card, leading driver Jeremy Smith had five wins while Miller followed closely behind with a triple. Tyler Smith also scored a driving double.
Live harness racing will resume on Saturday (Nov. 19) at Dayton Raceway with first post at 4 p.m. A $7,500 50-cent Pick-5 guaranteed pool will be offered beginning in race five.
(With files from Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association)