Arden Downs, namesake of the Arden Downs Stakes and the home of the Washington County Fair, kicked off its annual two-day meet with three-year-olds in action in Pennsylvania Sire Stake and Quaker Stakes.

It was all Roger Hammer in the early going, as he won the day’s first three races as an owner/trainer. First, he guided Shootoutthelights to a 2:02.3 win in a division of the PASS filly pace. The Dragon Again filly has now won six times in 17 starts.

In the next two filly pacing divisions, Hammer had two horses in each race, and his stable took first and second money in both events. However, it was Chris Shaw who guided both Hot Latte and Serenity Breeze to victories. Both fillies are sired by Nuclear Breeze. Hot Latte paced her mile in 2:06.2, while Serenity Breeze was a 2:03.3 winner.

Two $5,818 filly trotting PASS events were next to the track, and Marion Mon Ami, making just her second fair start, was a winner in 2:05.3. The Cantab Hall filly, owned by connections in Delaware, Virginia and Georgia, was driven by Wayne Long, who has just taken over training duties as well. It was the first win in 15 starts this season for Marion Mon Ami.

In the second division, Wilbur Yoder guided Erin Kristen (Chip Chip Hooray) to a 2:05 score. Bill Kirwan owns the nine-time winner, while John McMullen trains.

Three divisions of colt pacers then faced the starter in PASS competition, and it was another Hammer horse, Nate Breeze, winning the first division. By Nuclear Breeze, Nate Breeze has now won six of 18 on the season after pacing the mile in 2:02.4.

In the second split, Ticklish Terror went wire-to-wire for driver Cory Kreiser, covering the mile in 2:04.3. Julie Krenitsky owns the Western Terror gelding, while Bob Krenitsky, Jr. trains.

The last colt pacing division brought the day’s fastest time, as Top Of The Mark, by Western Terror, led every step of the way, pacing in 1:58.2. Wayne Long catch-drove for owner Harry Locke and trainer Mike Gillock.

Two $5,808 colt trotting divisions were next, and the Dunn Stable, trainer Boots Dunn and driver Brian Zendt swept both races. Trustworthy Kid was a winner in 2:04.3, while stablemate Redder Than Red won by open lengths in 2:02.2. Both geldings are sired by SJs Caviar.

In Quaker Stake action, Big Pulse and driver Chris Shaw won in 2:03, while Future Past and Try My Way won the trotting divisions. Future Past, driven by Eric Neal, won in 2:08.3, while Aaron Johnston guided Try My Way to a win in the same time, 2:08.3.

(PA Fair HHA)