Driver Tyler Smith stole the show at Hollywood Dayton on Saturday (Dec. 26) by winning both co-feature events, the $18,400 Open Handicap for male pacers and the $17,800 sister event for the best distaff pacers in the region.
Despite a 41-day layoff, Smith hustled Stars Align A to an early lead in the boys event before allowing GD Western Joe to clear to the front just steps before a :26.3 first quarter. The winning 7-year-old son of Art Major enjoyed a pocket ride through middle fractions of :55.1 and 1:22.4, then swung to the outside coming off the final bend. Despite a quick :27.4 closing quarter, Stars Align A managed to collar GD Western Joe in deep stretch for his 10th win on the season and his 34th from 91 races ovearll. Havefaithinme N finished a creditable third in the 1:50.3 mile.