Sophomores made their first fair starts of the season in Pennsylvania Sire Stake action at the Crawford County Fairgrounds in Meadville, Pennsylvania on Sunday, June 26.

Three groups of colt pacers opened the day, and Roger Hammer visited the winner's circle after the first two events with Roses Wild (by Allamerican Native) and Twilight Artist (Real Artist).

Roses Wild, owned and trained by Hammer, won in 2:06.4 after having worked his way to the front from a second-tier start. Twilight Artist, owned by Hammer along with Vicki Fair, was making his three-year-old debut after having gone 9-for-12 and banking over $80,000 in 2010, while taking a mark of 1:53.1f. The colt had to earn his win the hard way, as he spent the final half mile on the outside. He got up in the closing strides over frontrunning Stealth Flight (Blissfull Hall) and driver Steve Schoeffel in 2:04.

The third division was captured by Stripen Star in 2:03.1. Owned and trained by Jason Shaw and driven by Chris Shaw, Stripen Star (No Pan Intended) won for the first time in seven starts this season after posting eight fair victories last year.

The Shaws returned to the winners circle in the first division of the three-year-old filly pace, as Bliss My Britches (Blissfull Hall) scored in 2:05.1. It was her first career win in her 13th career start. Lisa Beinhauer co-owns the filly along with Jason Shaw.

In the second division, Crafty Friend (Allamerican Ingot) appeared to be in trouble early, as she got knocked off stride by another breaking horse on the way to the first quarter. Trainer/driver JR Brewer guided the filly back into contention and she went on to win her seasonal debut in a tight photo over SJs Diva and driver Chris Shaw in 2:08.3. For Crafty Friend, owned by Jim and JR Brewer, it was her third career victory.

PA Fair newcomer Livinwell Hanover and trainer/driver Paul Moore went wire-to-wire in the third and final pacing filly split and scored in 2:02.2, which is the meet’s fastest mile. Owned by Rosemarie Moore, Livinwell Hanover (The Panderosa) won for the second time this season.

Three groups of sophomore trotting fillies were next onto the track, and wins were earned by Juniata County (Chip Chip Hooray), Vertical Takeoff (Broadway Hall) and Girls Getaway (Donerail).

The day’s highest priced events were two PASS splits for three-year-old trotting colts, each for a purse of $5,800. Linus B Worthy scored in the first division for driver Brian Zendt in 2:07.4. Owned by the Dunn Stable and trained by Boots Dunn, Linus B Worthy is a son of Cantab Hall. Wollam earned his second win of the day in the final heat, as Otto trotted in 2:07.3 for owners Patricia Wollam and Acadia Farms. Otto is a Tagliabue gelding.

Racing on the circuit now moves to Butler County and the Big Butler Fairgrounds for three days of racing beginning Thursday at 11:00 a.m.

(With files from the PHRC)