Hollywood Dayton: Ariana G regains winning form in Dayton Trotting Derby

Ariana G, with Brian Sears in the bike, made the most of room she found on the backstretch and then overtook pace-setter Guardian Angel As to capture the $150,000 Dayton Trotting Derby on Friday night at Hollywood Dayton Raceway.

The action was hot and heavy early as I Know My Chip left alertly to instant command and forced rivals Guardian Angel As, Homicide Hunter, and Will Take Charge to tuck in line. Matt Kakaley moved from the pocket with Guardian Angel As at the quarter in 26 4/5 and took command shortly thereafter. Homicide Hunter and Scott Zeron were on the move instantly and immediately put pressure on the leader. Those two battled through fractions of 54 4/5 and 1:23 1/5, with Will Take Charge second-over down the backstretch and Ariana G boxed-in. Sears and Ariana G were able to find room when Will Take Charge broke on the backstretch and moved into striking position on the final turn.

Sears sent Ariana G wide, and the 4-year-old by Muscle Hill cruised by the leaders and went on to a 1:52 1/5 track record-setting performance for her age and gait. Warrawee Roo rallied boldly late for the place spot, with Guardian Angel As holding third.

"They were going hard up front," said Brian Sears the winning driver. "She's a sweetheart."

Marvin Katz and Al Libfeld bred and own Ariana G, who won for the 26th time in her career for trainer Jimmy Takter.