Dayton: Back Of The Neck upsets in Trotting Derby

Back Of The Neck angled wide off the final turn and rolled on past pace-setting When Dovescry to capture the $175,000 Dayton Trotting Derby for free-for-allers on Saturday night at Hollywood Gaming Dayton Raceway for trainer-driver Ake Svanstedt. The 4-year-old by Ready Cash stopped the timer in 1:51 4/5, setting a new track record.

Guardian Angel As blasted out of the gate quickly for driver Brian Sears as Forbidden Trade tucked in front of Back Of The Neck midway on the first turn. Second choice When Dovescry and driver David Miller needed most of the 27 second opening quarter to clear the lead and strolled to the half in 56 3/5 before seeing much pressure.

Forbidden Trade and Bob McClure pulled the three-hole before the half and went on an aggressive offensive, forcing When Dovescry to pick up the pace considerably. Sorella had trouble following cover during the 27 3/5 third quarter and allowed Svanstedt and Back Of The Neck ample room late on the final turn to clear off the pylons and go three- deep coming out of the bend.

When Dovescry edged away from challenger Forbidden Trade in early stretch but could not match strides with Back Of The Neck in the late stages, succumbing to the 7-1 choice right on the wire. Forbidden Trade held on for third.

Owned by Howard Taylor, Order By Stable, Judith Taylor and Ake Svanstedt Stable, Back Of The Neck was a winner for the fifth time in just eight starts this season.

► Sign up for our FREE DRF Harness Digest Newsletter

"He's going to come back to be a better horse next year," said Svanstedt in the winner's circle, acknowledging that there had been issues that stifled the horse's 4-year-old campaign, but those appear to be in the rearview mirror at this point.

Back Of The Neck returned $16 to win.