Electric fractions on the lead readied Erv Miller trainee Ohoka Chopper N for a final-quarter blitz and driver John MacDonald went barrelling with the eight-year-old Christian Cullen gelding down the near side to snag the $28,000 Open Pace at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel on Sunday afternoon (June 4).
Dalby Hanover (Tyler Shehan) darted for the front with Rock It Out (Devon Tharps) pushing forward wide of This Kit Rocks (Joey Putnam) towards a :25.2 first quarter. Rock It Out cleared control into the lane first time, but Shehan soon swung Dalby Hanover back outside to reclaim control after a :53.3 half as the backfield began marching.
This Kit Rocks started floating off the pylons and soon led the two-wide charge up the backstretch with 9-5 favourite Im Sir Blake A (Atlee Bender) perched second over and Ohoka Chopper N third over to three-quarters in 1:21.1.
Dalby Hanover clung to command off the turn before eventually tiring while This Kit Rocks powered outside, Im Sir Blake A swung wide and his stablemate Ohoka Chopper N closed with explosive fervor widest of all. MacDonald straightened Ohoka Chopper N in the lane and blew by everyone to win by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:49.2. This Kit Rocks held second from Im Sir Blake A in third and Dalby Hanover settled for fourth.
Ohoka Chopper N won his 17th race from 82 starts and has now banked $133,721. He races for owners Ervin Miller Stable Inc., Douglas Overhiser and Jamie Durnberger-Smith. Ohoka Chopper N paid $7.34 to win.
Jeff Cullipher led all trainers with three victories on the 10-race card. His wins were with Gray Dragon (1:53.3 winning mile; $2.94 to win), Caviart Lotus (1:51.1; $6.66) and Angelonia (1:54.3; $3.44).
Racing resumes at Oak Grove on Monday, June 5 with a 13-race card which features an $18,000 Open 2 Trot and a $26,000 Open Trot. First-race post time at Oak Grove is 3 p.m. CDT.
(Oak Grove Racing)