The beautiful evening at Ocean Downs opened with four early non-wagering events starting with the harness racing 2 YO filly trotters.
Bold Dresser (Explosive Matter-Pretty In Plaid) made it to the winners circle for the second time this summer in MD Standardbred Fund events for driver-trainer Oyvind Hegdal and owner Glat Kosher Racing trotting her mile in 2:01.1. Frederick Hertrich III is the breeder. Frank Milby driving Tiara (RC Royalty-Panarail) was on the move at the ¾ pole but was unable to catch Bold Dresser in time.
The colt/gelding trot was up next, with most of the freshmen acting up, Kent County (Deweycheatumnhowe-Duchess Of Kent) made a very strong showing on the track winning by almost 24 lengths in 2:01.2. Frank Milby got the driving assignment from trainer and co-owners Robert Shahan and Donald Marine. The breeder was Frederick Hertrich III. After an early break Roger Hammer was able to get High Octane (Donato Hanover-Gaytanes) back on stride to finish second.
In the first division of filly pacers, Breadcrumb Income (Nuclear Breeze-Rose Royce) charged down the stretch for reinsman Roger Plante Jr. to nip Use Your Noodle (Artzina-Lo Gophobia) at the wire in 2:00. Richard Hans is the breeder, owner and trainer of Breadcrumb Income.
The second division of filly pacers produced a stakes and track record when Corey Callahan pulled Freeze Out (American Ideal-Mr Deli's Filly) going up the backside to take the lead and hold off a strong challenge by Miss Read (Shadow Play-Yahoos) with Vic Kirby in the bike. Time for the mile was 1:55.3. Erv Miller trains for owners Paymaq Racing and Leland Mathias, Winbak Farm was the breeder.
The wagering card opened with the first division of colt/gelding pacers. Not content to sit third, driver Corey Callahan shot Power To Perform (Artzina-Shake Rattle Run) to the front before the half and never looked back stopping the clock in 1:57.4 over Canthelpbutwin (Artzina-Native Canadian). Kyle Morre trains for owner Donald Marine. The breeder was Winbak Farm.
The Erv Miller-Corey Callahan connection proved successful once again in the final stake of the night the second division of colt/gelding pacers. Redneck Rally (American Ideal-Ms Harrington) took the lead from Lissilas (Rocknroll Hanover-Lismorebella) at the head of the stretch wining by two and a half lengths in 1:56.2 for owners Anthony Lombardi , Paymaq Racing and Louis Willinger and breeder Winbak Farm.
Corey Callahan picked up 4 wins for the night, 3 stakes and one overnight.
Maryland Standardbred Fund stakes continue Thursday night with 8 divisions of 3 year olds starting with non-wagering events at 6 pm. The Maryland Horse Industry Board will be in attendance making some winner circle presentations.
By Cheri Stambaugh