Dayton: The beat goes on for Kiss Of Terror

Nine-year-old Kiss Of Terror ran his win streak to eight by winning the $24,000 Bob Burns Memorial Open I Pace at Hollywood Dayton on Saturday.

The feature race honored the memory of longtime local trainer-driver Bob Burns, who passed away recently at age 80. Burns was remembered as a devoted friend, accomplished horseman and a father figure to many young horsemen in southwest Ohio in their formative years.

"He saved my life," explained Justin Lloyd, one of about 50 friends and associates who joined in the winner's circle presentation. "If I hadn't gone to work for Bob and let him take me under his wing, I'd either be dead or in prison. He showed me the right way to do things."

Kiss Of Terror surpassed the half-million dollar earnings plateau while scoring his 51st career victory and lowering his mark to 1:49 2/5. A high-priced claiming horse for most of the last five years, the altered son of Western Terror has been plucked via the claim box an amazing 16 times through the years for prices ranging from $15,000 to $30,000. His most recent claimant is Ameer Najor, who has lost and subsequently reclaimed Kiss Of Terror several times. This time he agreed with trainer Paul Holzman to try him in the Open. He has responded with two consecutive impressive wins and likely won't be carrying a tag again in the near future.

As the second favorite, Kiss Of Terror (Josh Sutton) paid $6.40 to his followers. He was followed across the finish line by Sectionline Bigry (Tyler Smith), the even-money favorite. The exacta paid $15.20. American Mercury (Mitch Cushing) garnered the show dough.

A $22,000 Open II Pace was captured by Ginger Tree Marty (Jason Beattie), who upset My Hero Ron (Josh Sutton) and Beyond Delight (Tony Hall). The 7-year-old gelding, owned by Tommy Householder and trained by Bobbie Jo Brewer, covered the mile in 1:51 2/5 and kicked back a $22.80 mutuel payoff. The winner was a recent $36,000 claim as well. He has earned almost $130,000 this season.

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The Saturday program included eight $40,000 Ohio Fair Championship finals pitting the 2021 stars who earned points racing at more than 60 Ohio county fairs. Winners were:

2-year-old Filly Trot – Crown Creation (Brett Miller, 1:58 3/5, $5.60)
2-year-old Filly Pace – Bittrsweetsymphony (Tyler Smith, 1:52 4/5, $2.60)
2-year-old Colt Trot – A Handsome Face (Don Irvine Jr., 1:59 2/5, $4.40)
2-year-old Colt Pace – Willydoitagain (Scott Cisco, 1:53 3/5, $2.80)
3-year-old Filly Trot – Fiesty Pistol (Tyler Smith, 1:56 3/5, $5.00)
3-year-old Filly Pace – Bearcreekhoney (Shawn Barker II, 1:53 4/5, $19.00)
3-year-old Colt Trot – Malibu Kid (Tony Hall, 1:56 2/5, $3.20)
3-year-old Colt Pace – Imagine It (Mitch Cushing, 1:52 2/5, $10.60)

The Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association and Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway also presented their first ever Charity Night At The Races, which benefited 20 local charities to the tune of over $60,000. A huge success, the effort attracted a large crowd (second largest of the meet) and introduced a countless number of brand new spectators to the sport.

The 20-cent Pick-6 went unsolved on Saturday night. Patrons with five out of six correct numbers received a $286.60 consolation payoff, and the carryover grew to $3,089 for the Monday sequence, which begins in race eight. First race post time is 4 p.m.

--press release (Hollywood Dayton)--