Northfield, OH — Ocean Rock paced to a new harness racing world record clocking of 1:51.1 in the first of three $40,000 Ohio Sires Stakes (OSS) contests at Northfield Park Friday. The son of Rockin Amadeus established the new mark for 2-year-old gelding pacers on a half-mile track.
The win was the fifth in six tries for Ocean Rock who was bred and is owned by Sandra Burnett. This speedy youngster now has $78,167 in career earnings. He is the first foal out of the On The Attack mare Ocean Pearl, p, 5, 1:53.2f ($143,637).
The second OSS division went to divisional leader Elver Hanover, the 8-5 choice and driver Chris Page, who was steering the youngster for trainer Ron Burke and partners B. Jacblonsky, J. Melillo and J&T Silva-Purnel-Libby.
Elver Hanoer was timed in 1:53.2, completing his sweep of all four OSS legs, and placing him in the top spot in the OSS standings.
The son of Yankee Cruiser-Edra Hanover and the 8-5 favorite, was slow getting into the mix initially but then pulled first over at the three-quarters before pacing home in a brisk :26.2, finishing half a length in front of 6-1 Standford Court (Wrenn Jr.). Can B Perfect (Tyler Smith) was third at 3-5 odds.
Elver Hanover is now five for five lifetime and has $106,500 in his career bankroll for his connections.
Finally, it was the 3-5 homebred Gray Dragon taking the third OSS division handily in 1:54 for driver Brett Miller and trainer Virgil Morgan Jr.
This gray colt, by Dragon Again-Rock For Glory-Rocknroll Hanover is owned and was bred by Emerald Highlands Farm. He raced for most of the mile parked on the outside of the leading 5-2 Opportune Hanover (Chris Page) and nudged by his rival in the late going to win by three-quarters of a length. Third place went to 9-1 One Rock (Greg Grismore).
This was the second career victory for Gray Dragon, who now has $66,460 in career earnings from two wins and two seconds in five starts.
The following eight 2-year-old pacing colts are now eligible to participate in the $300,000 finals set for Ohio Super Night, Sept. 1, at Northfield Park. They are: Elver Hanover (204 points); Gray Dragon (137 points); Rockntheafterparty (116 points); Opportune Hanover (109 points); Ocean Rock (103 points); Can Be Perfect (90 points); Rock Smart (84 points); and Mr Ds Rock (74 points).
by Kimberly Rinker, Ohio Standardbred Development Administrator