Dayton: Different trip, same result for Bulldog Hanover in Dayton Pacing Derby

It was a very different trip for Bulldog Hanover in Saturday's $250,000 Dayton Pacing Derby, but despite racing parked the entire mile, driver Dexter Dunn still had to struggle to pull up the 4-year-old by Shadow Play after he passed the wire first in a 1:50 1/5 clocking, most impressive over a dull track on a cool autumn night.

Five of the nine horses left the gate at the outset, with Dunn starting from post eight and surveying the situation as American Courage, with Matt Kakaley, were most assertive, sprinting away at the outset and forcing wholesale tucks. This Is The Plan and Yannick Gingras drove in behind the leader, with Workin On A Mystery and Allywag Hanover following in third and fourth through a first quarter in a brisk 26 2/5.

Dunn and Bulldog Hanover waited on the outside, and once into the homestretch was able to find cover as David Miller pulled Workin On A Mystery before three-eighths had been completed and went on the offensive. American Courage remained strong, hitting the half in 54 4/5 and giving the cold shoulder to Workin On A Mystery as the pair slugged it out through three-quarters in 1:22 4/5. Dunn had Bulldog Hanover comfortably riding second-over, with Charlie May third over in the outer flow.

Late on the final bend, Dunn gave the Jack Darling-trained world champion his cue, and Bulldog Hanover shifted gears instantly and devoured the leaders, drawing clear effortlessly to his 12th win in just 13 starts this season. Allywag Hanover and driver Todd McCarthy needed some impressive steering in the homestretch in search of racing room, but once clear nearing the wire, last year's top older pacer was airborne to get the place spot. This Is The Plan used the passing lane to perfection to finish third, with pace-setter American Courage settling for fourth.

"I sent him wide on the turn, and he just took off," said Dunn following the race. "He's just amazing."

Owned by Jack Darling and Brad Grant, Bulldog Hanover has now won 26 times in 34 lifetime starts. Bettors received the minimum of $2.10, with winning tickets likely worth more as souvenirs to some.

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"I just don't know what to say anymore," said Darling. "They came out to see him (the fans). He really captivated their imagination. It's fantastic."

Tonight's handle was a new Hollywood Gaming Dayton Raceway record, checking in at $1.27 million.