Jimmy Freight collared late leader McWicked, reigning Horse of the Year, in deep stretch to win the $151,750 Dayton Pacing Derby in 1:48.3 on Friday night (September 27) for owner Adriano Sorella and trainer Scott Di Domenico.

Driver Scott Zeron worked out a perfect second-over trip off fast fractions of :26.1, :53.3 and 1:20.4 that were set by eventual third-place finisher Western Fame (Dan Noble), the 6-5 favourite. Jimmy Freight, Canada’s 2018 Three-Year-Old Pacing Colt of the Year, paid $23.20 to win after sweeping by McWicked (Brian Sears), who had journeyed first-over and struck the front turning for home. The winning margin was 1-1/4 lengths.

“I was hoping I could follow McWicked in this race and it worked out perfect,” said Zeron in the winner’s circle. “Scott Di Domenico does a great job with this horse and I’m real happy for owner Adriano Sorella, who was here tonight.”

The four-year-old son of Sportswriter and Allamerican Summer notched his third win from 16 starts this year and 21st victory overall while lifting his earnings to $1.4 million.

(Standardbred Canada)