Buckeye Stallion Series action continued for the third leg for two-year-old trotting colts and geldings on Wednesday (Aug. 17) at Eldorado Scioto Downs. Four divisions went behind the gate, each boasting a purse of $17,500.

Serene Bubby took the final and fastest division of the night in 1:58.1. Going as the 7-5 favourite, Serene Bubby let the dust settle before taking the lead at the half. The Global Republic S gelding cruised across the finish line with Vondell Kemp in second and Thatwasnttheplan third.

Serene Bubby has now won half of his four starts with an additional second place finish. Marion Chupp trains for Levi Hershberger. Chris Lems drove the winner.

In the first division, 1-1 favourite Republic Return tripped the wire in 1:58.4. The gelded son of Global Republic S grabbed the lead out of the gate. Unchallenged throughout the remainder of the mile, Republic Return set fractions in :29.1, 59.4, and 1:29.4 before crossing the finish in a lifetime mark. Rose Run Yakim followed in second with Diggin Hot Blondes finishing third.

Republic Return has hit the board in each of his eight seasonal starts. The Rosy Weaver trainee has bankrolled over $26,000 in six victories. Weaver co-owns the gelding alongside Heartland Acres. Don Irvine Jr. drove the winner.

At 23-1, Freeborn produced the biggest upset of the evening when scoring in a lifetime mark of 1:58.2. Leaving from post 9, the gelding got away fifth. After following cover on the backside, the son of What The Hill pulled three wide at the top of the stretch to best 8-5 favourite Romeos Dream while Mister Lewis completed the trifecta.

Freeborn was a $12,000 purchase from the Ohio Selected Jug Sale. With three wins and two second-place finishes, the gelding now has $27,500 in career earnings. Miles Wollam conditions for Bob Troyer.

Tommy Norse rocked the third division in 1:59.1. The gelded son of Long Tom sat patiently on the pylons until the top of the stretch. Tommy Norse spotted racing room up the "Lightning Lane" and kicked into gear. Jogging Full Trot came in second while Feisty Sam rallied for third.

The victory marks the first win for the Norman Robbins trainee. Tommy Norse is owned in partnership by his trainer and Susan Irene Robbins. Josh Sutton steered the winner.

Live racing returns to Eldorado Scioto Downs on Thursday (Aug 18) at 3:15 p.m. (EDT).

(Scioto Downs)