Hollywood Dayton: Atlanta powers away from foes in Dayton Trotting Derby

Atlanta followed live cover from second-over and kicked home with authority off that trip to easily take the $175,000 Dayton Trotting Derby for free-for-allers on Saturday night at Hollywood Dayton in a track record 1:51.

Lindy The Great (Andy Miller) went to the front from post six and chopped out the opening quarter in 27 3/5, but Manchego (Dexter Dunn) was two-wide and pressing on at that point, and she took the lead after that marker. After taking over, Manchego would go on to the half in 56 seconds flat, with Australian import Majestic Player (Brett Miller) out and moving first-over from fourth and Atlanta (Yannick Gingras) latching on to Miller's helmet.

Manchego was able to repel Majestic Player's bid, but had to go a 27 3/5 third panel to do so, and Gingras sent Atlanta three-wide after the 1:23 3/5 three-quarters. She was full of trot after being fed the clear racetrack and was going by Manchego anyway, but when Manchego broke before entering the lane, it made Atlanta's job all the easier. She quickly opened up a gap on the field after securing the top spot and reported home 4 1/4 lengths ahead of Lindy The Great. Crystal Fashion (Jordan Stratton) was third, Pure Chance (Scott Zeron) fourth, and Majestic Player fifth.

"That definitely was the plan. I have all the respect in the world for Manchego, but Atlanta, she can trot off cover as fast as a pacer. I just wanted to trip her out, and if I was able to reach, I was going to reach," said Gingras. "I think she definitely likes better it that way. It's a long year, so I just wanted to make sure I gave her the trip she wanted."

Ron Burke trains Atlanta, a 5-year-old mare by Chapter Seven, for owners Crawford Farms Racing, Brad Grant, and Howard Taylor. This was her 24th career victory, and she has now earned $2,450,203. She paid $4.00 to win as the even-money favorite.

Burke also sent out Mission Accepted (Chris Page) to a 1:52 3/5 win from first-over in the $25,000 Open trot earlier on the card, and that matched the track record for an older male trotter. Mission Accepted, a 5-year-old Manofmanymissions stallion, is owned by Burke Racing Stable LLC., breeder Knox Services Inc., David Wills, and Weaver Bruscemi LLC. Mission Accepted made his 20th appearance in the winner's circle, has now pocketed $855,342, and returned $7.80 to win as a 5-2 shot.