The driver-trainer duo of Cameron and Jessica McCown won two of the seven $27,397 Buckeye Stallion Series races for freshman colt pacers on Saturday, July 19 at MGM Northfield Park.
In the second division, McCown took Heerz Corinthian ($30.20) three-wide around the final turn, exploding down the stretch to win by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:56. The win was the maiden-breaking score for the son of Downbytheseaside.
The McCowns wrapped up the night winning the final division in 1:55.4 with Heerzadiamondstud ($4.20). The Summa Cum Laude gelding went wire-to-wire to win for the first time in his career.
Sons of Downbytheseaside also scored in the third and fourth divisions.
In the third division, Ronnie Wrenn Jr. took 4-5 favourite Cipher ($3.80) to the lead just past the quarter pole and held on down the stretch to win by a neck in 1:57. The Brian Brown trainee is perfect is his two appearances.
In the next division, a debuting Odds On RPJ ($8.00) and Aaron Merriman were seventh at the half but made their way through the field, going three-wide around the final turn and then winning a three-way photo in 1:55.3. Virgil Morgan Jr. trains the winner.
The fastest BSS time of the night was in the first division, when Catch My Dragon ($2.60) and Trevor Smith covered “The Flying Turns” in 1:55 for trainer Jeff Smith. The son of Catch The Fire has raced twice, and won half of his starts.
Completing the stakes winners on Saturday night were Barcelona Legend ($10.00) for Chris Lems and Darren Dowler in 1:55.3, and Hunka Hunka ($6.60) for Kurt Sugg and Daren Harvey in 1:56.
Buckeye Stallion Series action continues Monday, July 21 at MGM Northfield Park with six divisions for two-year-old filly trotters. First race post time is 6 p.m.
(Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association; photo of Heerz Corinthian winning on July 19)