18-1 long shot takes Open Pace

DAYTON, OH – Gone Girl, passed around the final turn, battled back in the passing lane to win Hollywood Dayton’s $30,000 Mares Open Pace on Friday (Nov. 26).

Harness racing driver Jeremy Smith guided the 7-year-old daughter of Dragon Again to the early lead in :27.1 and maintained the advantage through a :56.2 halfway split.

Favored Penpaperpaige (Tyler Smith) applied heavy pressure down the backside and found herself almost a full length in front after the 1:23.4 third stanza. With a clear lead entering the stretch and a challenge coming on the outside from Miss You N (Brett Miller), Penpaperpaige was likely shocked to see Gone Girl battling back in the passing lane.

And battle back she did and ultimately gain a head advantage at the finish. Penpaperpaige held for second, a head better than show finisher Miss You N.

Gone Girl, at 18-1 odds, returned a hefty $39.00 to successful holders of $2 win tickets. A $2 exacta was worth $107.40; while winning 50-cent trifectas kicked back $137.90.

Trainer Mark Gillenwater owns Gone Girl, whose 2021 scorecard now reads 12-4-1 in 37 starts. Her seasonal earnings have soared to $125,050 with three open class victories in her last five starts.

GONE GIRL REPLAY

Racing resumes Saturday (Nov. 27) will a power-packed 14-race program beginning at 4 p.m.

For full race results, click here.

From Hollywood Dayton Raceway