The fourth leg of the Ohio Sires Stakes (OHSS) for sophomore colt pacers was anyone’s to take on Saturday night, Aug. 24 at MGM Northfield Park. The winners of both $87,838 divisions were determined in the final strides with Outer Banks and Pariss Dragon scoring OHSS victories for the first time this year.

Outer Banks and Ronnie Wrenn Jr. took the first division in 1:52. The gelded son of Downbytheseaside left alertly from the rail and easily took control of the field. At 1-9, Outer Banks set fractions in :27.3 and :56.4 before being overtaken. Heading to the 1:24.1 three-quarters pole, Hundred Dollar Man (Montrell Teague) popped the pocket and easily cleared the front. Refusing to give up, Outer Banks battled back through the passing lane and won by a half length. Hundred Dollar Man held on for second with Racing Rebel (Austin Hanners) a length back in third.

Ron Burke conditions Outer Banks, who has hit the board in nine of 13 seasonal starts, boosting his career bankroll to $213,584 for Burke Racing Stable, R A S Racing, J And T Silva – Purnel And Libby and Weaver Bruscemi.

Pariss Dragon (pictured above) won the second division in 1:51.4 as Teague gave the Fear The Dragon gelding the perfect pocket trip. Pariss Dragon sat behind the 6-5 favourite, Rose Run Zane (Hanners) as the opening fractions went in :27.1 and :56.4. Rose Run Zane then made an uncharacteristic break on the backside. From first-up, reigning Ohio divisional champion Clever Cody (Aaron Merriman) took the lead at the 1:24 three-quarters marker. Pariss Dragon answered the call as Teague urged him from the pocket at the top of the stretch and the sophomore dug in to win by a neck. Clever Cody settled for second while Rose Run Zane was third.

Pariss Dragon has won half of his 14 seasonal starts, lifting his career bankroll just over the $300,000 mark. Christi Noble trains the winner for owner/breeder Dennis Owens and Norman Rae Racing. 

Ohio Sires Stakes action continues on Friday, Aug. 30 at Eldorado Scioto Downs with the Aged Veteran Championships. First race post time is 5:45 p.m.

(With files from Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association)