Dayton: Abuckabett Hanover gives Dunn a Dayton Derby sweep

Abuckabett Hanover and driver Dexter Dunn came through along the pylons in deep stretch to collar pacesetter Little Rocket Man in the shadow of the wire to capture Saturday’s $250,000 Dayton Pacing Derby in a 1:49 3/5 clocking. The victory gave Dunn a sweep of the four Derby’s and his sixth winner on the Dayton program.

Asserting control from the pole position, Dunn left sharply with Abuckabett Hanover and put most of the field in line into the first turn. David Miller had Little Rocket Man away well from post eight but was unable to reach Abuckabett Hanover prior to the 26 2/5 opener and was parked nearly three-eighths before clearing to the top.

Little Rocket Man was able to take a hold in the second quarter with Miller saving some energy through a 54 2/5 half, but he would see an intense challenge as Tony Hall moved Muskateer Hanover without cover and met the leader on even terms on the backstretch applying significant pressure. Dunkin' and Tim Tetrick followed cover second over, but it was still Little Rocket Man on the lead through three quarters in 1:22 1/5 with Miller putting away the challenger to his flank.

In the stretch the 3-1 Little Rocket Man dug in gamely and fought Abuckabett Hanover right to the wire only losing the battle in the final strides. Muskateer Hanover was a solid third after a long overland journey. It's My Show came through late on the pylons for fourth.

For Abuckabett Hanover it was his fifth victory in 10 starts this year for trainer Andrew Harris, who co-owns the son of Betting Line with William Pollack and Bruce Areman. As the 4-5 betting favorite Abuckabett Hanover returned $3.60 to win.

Pleaseletmeknow and driver Brett Miller skimmed the pylons in the stretch and rolled by pacesetter Ruthless Hanover to capture the $75,000 Derby consolation. The Travis Alexander-trained son of American Ideal paced to a 1:50 1/5 clocking over the good surface. Ruthless Hanover did all the heavy lifting and settled for second with pocket-sitter Backstreet Shadow third in the mile.

Fiddlers Creek Stables LLC bred and own Pleaseletmeknow who returned $53.80 to win.