Aussie import upsets off perfect cover in Open

Australian harness racing import Artatac A (Art Major) notched his third win in just six starts since coming to the USA off a perfect drive by Dan Noble to win the $25,000 Open Handicap Pace at Hollywood Dayton Raceway Thursday (Dec. 14).

The 5^th race feature saw Artatic A and Noble scoot out to the early lead from the rail, then came Self Made (Trevor Smith), who charged on the outside, taking the early lead away from Artatic A by the opening quarter mile in :26.

Then Self Made cut the mile to the half in :54.3 as Sectionline Bigry (Tyler Smith) started up first-over with Ideal Feeling (Sam Widger) second-over.

As the field started down the backstretch, Self Made continue to cut the mile with Sectionline Bigry moving up on the outside to be second, but with Ideal Feeling not advancing second-over, that forced both Night Shadow (Chris Page) to sweep three-wide with race favorite Spring Inhis Step A (Atlee Bender) following the outside flow at the three-quarters in 1:21.2.

Around the final turn, none of the outside flow horses were able to gain ground as Self Made held a one length lead over Artatac A as they started down the stretch. Noble was able to urge his pacer on and they flew by Self Made and went on to win by one and one-half lengths in 1:50. Self Made was second with Incredible Man (Luke Hanners) third.

ARTATAC A REPLAY

A six-year-old gelding, Artatac A is trained by Christi Noble for James Morris and Norman Rae Racing. He paid $25.20 to win.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink