The curtain came down on the Ohio State Fair Stakes at Eldorado Scioto Downs on Saturday (Aug. 6). Two divisions each of three-year-old pacing colts, three-year-old trotting colts and two-year-old pacing colts competed for a total of $393,000.

Going off at 28-1, Rose Run Xiled set the first $65,000 division of sophomore pacers off with a bang. Headed to the half, the gelded son of McArdle found a pocket trip behind the 4-5 favoured Pearl Snaps (Brett Miller). In the final turn, Rose Run Xiled popped the pocket and easily overcame the race leader. With lengths to spare, the gelding tripped the wire in a lifetime mark of 1:51. Fearful Intent rallied for second while Risenshine Seaside held on for third.

Trained by Christi Noble, Rose Run Xiled has found his grove in 2022. In 11 starts this season, the gelding has bankrolled $83,000. The state fair victory marks Rose Run Xiled’s sixth win for Norman Rae Racing. Dan Noble sat in the sulky.

As a shock to none, Bythemissal cruised across the finish line in 1:49.3 to take the second division for three-year-old pacing colts. Confident after last week’s Adios win, the Downbytheseaide gelding got away third, but made his move to the top as soon as the dust settled. Unchallenged for the remainder of the mile, 1-9 favourite Bythemissal bested Odds On Capitalism in second with stablemate Barrys Berries finishing third.

Lightly raced at two, Bythemissal has taken his sophomore year by storm. With seven starts in 2022, he has tallied six wins and one second-place finish for trainer Ron Burke. Bythemissal has put over $285,000 in the bank for Burke Racing Stable, Eric Good, Rich Lombardo Racing, and Weaver Bruscemi. Chris Page piloted the winner.

In another lifetime mark, Gabbys Bit Coin dominated the first $63,500 division of three-year-old trotting colts in 1:53.3. The gelded son of Uncle Peter got away second off the gate. And despite a quick break in stride while popping the pocket on the backside, Gabbys Bit Coin regained composure and surged to the lead. Rose Run Xtra finished second with What The Blaze completing the trifecta.

With $172,000 in lifetime earnings, Gabbys Bit Coin has been competitive on the Ohio circuit since his freshman debut. In 2022 alone, the Chris Beaver trainee has won half of his six seasonal starts. Gabbys Bit Coin is owned in partnership by his trainer and Johanna Beaver. Aaron Merriman sat in the bike.

Merriman and Beaver teamed back up to take the second division of sophomore trotters with Caviar Gold in 1:54.3. Leaving from the second tier, Caviar Gold got away fifth. The Triumphant Caviar gelding tipped out past the opening quarter and made his move. After a battle for control on the backside with even-money favourite Guido Di, Caviar Gold dug in to win by a length. Guido Di held on for second while Longshot was third.

The Ohio State Fair victory pushed Caviar Gold over $100,000 in seasonal earnings. The gelding has tallied five wins in nine starts for co-owners Chris Beaver, Bill Manes, Leo Fleming, and Steven Zeehandelar.

The Real Way took the first $68,000 division of freshmen pacing colts in 1:52.4. The son of Downbytheseaside patiently sat third on the pegs until the open stretch. With room to dive through the inside, The Real Way bested Rockmelikeyameanit by a neck with Act Fast in third.

As another product of the Burke Brigade, The Real Way has bankrolled upwards of $75,000 in just three victories. The colt is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, Knox Services, and Let It Ride Stables. Ronnie Wrenn Jr. sat in the bike.

Racing Rampage made it three in a row by winning the final division for two-year-old pacing colts. The gelding by Racing Hill was determined to gain control of the field. Once on the front, Racing Rampage never looked back. The victory came to the 1-9 favourite in 1:52.4. Downrightdelicious finished second while Somewhere Vintage came in third.

As a $10,500 yearling purchase out of the Buckeye Classic Sale, Racing Rampage has more than returned his investment. Now with $90,000 in the bank, the gelding has won three of four starts with an additional third place finish. Racing Rampage is conditioned and co-owned by Darren Dowler alongside Lawrence Bettler. Aaron Merriman drove the winner.

Live racing resumes Tuesday (Aug. 9) at Eldorado Scioto Downs. First post is 3:15 p.m. (EDT). For more information on the facility and live racing season, visit the Eldorado Scioto Downs website.

(Scioto Downs)