Dayton sees record handle on closing night

Closing week in December always brings big handles, and tonight was no exception. Dayton’s faithful bettors were out in full force for the final Thursday of the meet, wagering an all-time Dayton record of $1.286 million.

This was just the 2^nd million-dollar night in Dayton’s history with the 1^st coming last year when Dayton hosted the Ohio Super Night for the first time. Dayton Raceway thanks the bettors, the fans and the horsemen for helping us make this happen.

As for the racing action on tonight’s record setting card, Jermey Smith continued his hot hand by taking 5 races over the night, and amazingly enough for Dayton’s leading driver, none of them were favorites.

He started off by sweeping the early double with Salty Robyn N (5.00) for trainer Antonia Storer and Unlikeanyother (6.80) for trainer Tessa Perrin. He continued with an upset winner in the featured Open Handicap with Barry’s Berries (29.00).

Brookville Bullet left hard from post 4 to take the field past the opening quarter in 26.1. Favorite Tellmeaboutit, with Sam Widger, then rushed up to take command past a half in 54.2. By that time, Jeremy was first over and pressuring for the lead as they raced noses apart past a three quarter in 121.2. As they dueled down the stretch, Barry’s Berries would inch ahead in deep stretch and win by a nose in 1:50. It was his 1^st win of the year in the Steve Carter barn since his recent claim.