The summer series for the harness racing sophmore Maryland Sire Stakes opened with two splits for the trotting fillies. Race 1 saw John Wagner tuck Pat’s A Keeper (Lockkeeper) in the pocket behind Current News until the ¾ pole, catching the leader in the last few strides. Pat’s A Keeper is trained by Arlene Cameron and owned and bred by Pam Wagner, time for the mile was 1:59.3.
The second division for three year old trotting fillies went to post as race 3. With the first three finishers all trotting in 2:01 you know it was an exciting finish. Tiny Tiara cut the mile after favorite HS Judy Jetson made a break at the start. After trailing by 13 lengths at the ¼ mile HS Judy Jetson caught the field and took aim on the leader in the stretch but Gittin All Sexy (Googoo Gaagaa) with reinsman Frank Milby in the bike charged down the stretch to take the three horse photo. Gittin All Sexy is owned, trained and bred by Richard Hans.
The first division for pacing colts & gelding saw another great photo finish. It was no surprise when Berzerker headed to the lead but Officer Wholihan (Rusty’s For Real) started creeping up from 5th to 4th to stopping the clock a nose in front in the 1:56.1 mile. Arlene Cameron picked up her second training victory on the card. Michael Torcello is the owner and Linda MacDonald is the breeder.
The final stake of the night was in race 5, the second division for three year old pacing colts and geldings. Driver Montrell Teague sent Owzitgoin (Rusty’s For Real) to the front holding off a challenge by Dennis The Menace at the half and another in the stretch by Trump That Rusty, holding on by ¾ length in 1:55.4. Breakaway Racing is the owner of Owzitgoin and Nick, Corey and Joanna Callahan are the breeders.
Stakes action will continue on Wednesday June 26th at Ocean Downs.
By Cheri Stambaugh