On Sunday July 30 the Maryland Standardbred Race Fund (foaled) Stakes for harness racing two year olds started with the trotting colts and geldings going to post in race two.
Driver Chuck Connor Jr. sent Whats The Word (Donato Hanover) to the lead, striding off to win by 17½ lengths in the 1:58.2 mile. Iron Mine Bro was up for place. Arden Homestead Stable and Janice Connor are the owners with Janice also picking up training duties. Fred Hertrich is the breeder.
The filly pacers split in three divisions. In the first split George and Tina Dennis Racing's Michelle's Jazz (Roll With Joe) moved up from mid pack going up the back stretch to take a two length victory over leader Cheyenne Zone. Frank Milby was in the bike for trainer Joe Columbo in the 1:56.4 mile, Winbak Farm was the breeder.
Race six saw the lead change several times, after a couple of miscue's at the start. Pedal Power (Roddy's Bags Again) made a break at the start, recovered and worked her way passed the pack going three deep at the ¾ pole to win by a neck over Toms Trophy in 2:02.2. Reinsman Art Stafford Jr. drove for trainer and co-owner Darrell Lewis and Leah Lewis. The breeder was Winbak Farm.
The final split of the night had the crowd screaming for their favorite in the tight photo. Jason Green gave Cool Toy (Cool Flying Fun) the perfect pocket trip, charging down the stretch to win by a nose over Tell Me The Truth and Sanza. Elwood Tignor trains for owner Breakaway Racing and breeder Nick Callahan.
The action continues on Monday July 31 with two divisions for 2 year old filly trotters and four splits for colt and gelding pacers.
By Cheri Stambaugh