It was a night to be a favourite in the opening leg of Ohio Sires Stakes action for two-year-old colt and gelding trotters.  John Dutton, Rumble Strips and Black Magic were winners in the three divisions at MGM Northfield Park Monday night. 

In the first of the three $40,000 divisions, John Dutton with Chris Page sat fourth through the first half mile before making his move down the backstretch.  John Dutton grabbed the lead entering the final turn and pulled away to win by 3-1/2 lengths in 1:58.2.  The 1-5 favourite defeated Burtons Hill and A Real Legend.

Ron Burke trains the son of What The Hill for owners Burke Racing Stable, Knox Services, Johnny Yoder and RAS Racing.

In the second division, Rumble Strips, the 9-5 favourite, rumbled to an easy five-length victory in 1:57.2.  Kayne Kaufman raced the son of Long Tom to the lead at the quarter pole in :29.1 and fought off a challenge down the back stretch before pulling away from No More Sweets and What A Mission.

Rumble Strips, who has a win and a third-place finish in two starts this year for trainer Mike Polhamus, is owned by Constance Polhamus and Mary Beth Walters.

In the final division, Black Magic won for the fourth time in four starts with an easy victory in 1:57.1 over Jet Hill and The Buckeye Hill.  Chris Lems took the 1-2 favourite to the lead at the quarter pole and cruised to the victory for trainer Steve Cross. 

Black Magic is owned by Richard Gutnick, Thomas Pontone and Joseph Lozito and has earned $102,750 this year.

Ohio Sires Stakes action resumes Saturday, July 23 at Eldorado Scioto Downs with the three-year-old colt pacers competing in the third leg.  First race post time is 3:15 p.m.

MGM Northfield Park has announced the addition of a $15,000 Pick-5 total pool guarantee for Wednesday, July 20. Beginning in race six, the $15,000 Pick-5 guaranteed total pool includes a carryover of $3,368. This wager is being offered as part of the Strategic Wagering Program through the United States Trotting Association. The evening’s 50-cent (non-jackpot) Pick 6 begins in the eighth race with a $2,130 carryover. Wednesday’s post time is 6 p.m.

(OHHA and Northfield Park)