The first leg of the popular Buckeye Stallion Series (BSS) is in the books following seven divisions tor three-year-old pacing colts on Tuesday (May 3) at Miami Valley.
In all, 208 Ohio-sired colts and fillies went postward in 24 $17,500 divisions spread over three days. Purses for the first leg totaled $420,000.
The seven winning horses came from seven different barns and were steered by six different drivers. Miami Valley's leading driver Brett Miller had the only driving double in BSS action on Tuesday. Win prices ranged from $3.40 to $55.40 and winning times ranged from 1:52.4 to 1:55, proving anything can happen when very green young horses line up behind the starting gate in full fields. Intermittent rainstorms kept the track wet throughout the day, another challenge for handicappers
Fluff Yeah (Trevor Smith, 1:54.4, $8.40) beat Odds On Capitalism and Dragon Storm in the first heat. The son of Pet Rock garnered his third career victory and raised his earnings to $39,254 in his first 19 starts. Bret Schwartz co-owns with Lee Bean and N. Fulkerson.
Shane Falco (Miller, 1:53.2, $3.40) topped Noblesunsetcruise and Dakota Pearl. A half brother to Ohio Horse of the Year Charlie May, sired by Racing Hill, Shane Falco eclipsed the $50,000 earnings plateau with the impressive victory for owner Don Tiger and trainer Steve Carter.
Self Made (Noble, 1:53.3, $6.20) was victorious over Dragthechipsmyway and Dirge in the third split. Ron Potter trains the son of Fear The Dragon for the Last Laugh LLC Stable. Self Made now has four wins and over $60,000 in earnings.
Fearful Intent (Miller, 1:52.4, $26) was the fastest winner in the seven B.S.S. races in just his second start. The son of Fear The Dragon bettered Universal and Robins Art for owner and breeder Emerald Highland Farms. Kelly O'Donnell conditions Fearful Intent.
Bettor By Seaside (Kauffman, 1:53, $8) held off Seaside Hanover and Mr Nuttin Nice to notch his second win, despite his overcheck slipping off halfway through the race. Dean Glispie conditions the son of Downbytheseaside for the Always Finish Second Stable.
Our Holy Terror (Sugg, 1:55, $16.20) was the next colt to visit the winner's circle, getting the best of Rose Run Xiled and Whatchawigglinwith. Bill Webb bred, trains and owns the Western Terror colt, who notched a trio of county fair wins as a freshman.
The final division produced the biggest upset as Dirty Harry Too (Tony Hall, 1:54.4, $55.40) found the sloppy track to his liking. The son of Nob Hill High upset Sea Luck and Medoland Terror for trainer Mark Winters Jr. and the Jr Stable LLP
In addition to the seven B.S.S. races, a $30,000 Open Mares Handicap Pace was also contested. Anthem, who has worked her way up through the conditions ladder, got her initial win over open company. It was the third-straight score for the Sweet Lou five-year-old, beating Gone Girl and Marloe Hanover in 1:53.2 with a late rally from far back. Mike Hitchcock trains the winner for William Hartt. Josh Sutton sat in the sulky.
Racing resumes at Miami Valley on Wednesday (May 4) when Ohio Sires Stakes (OHSS) fillies begin their 2022 stakes seasons, including Sea Silk who is the defending OHSS champion and Breeder's Crown runner-up. There are a pair of $55,000 divisions on both the pace and trot. Post time is 4:05 p.m.