Northfield Park hosted five divisions of Ohio Sires Stake racing action as part of the Wednesday 13-race program. Two-year-old colt trotters competed in two divisions and the pacers in three.
The trotters took to the stage in race two and Noah Count (Full Count-Ariels Treasurer-King Conch) went virtually gate-to-wire to win the $30,000 first division. The race was Noah Count’s first lifetime start. Robin Miller piloted the gelding for co-owner/trainer Ray Crawford of Northfield, Ohio and Suanne Crawford Kochilla of North Royalton, Ohio. Miller steered Noah Count through fractional times of :30.2, 1:00.3, 1:31.3 and 2:02.2. Finishing behind Noah Count were Mainstreet Willy, Cantcutthatchip, Lus Neely, A Brilliant Idea, Smart Train and Fridayscomin. Noah Count returned $24.80 for the win.
Dibs (Pine Valley-CGs Gem-Shady Character) took the $30,000 first division for two-year-old colt Ohio-bred pacers for trainer Ron Burke in the evening’s third race. Dibs started from post two and sat the pocket through fractional times of :28, :57 and 1:26 before making his move in the stretch and bettering his competition by three-quarters of a length in 1:55.4. Tony Hall drove for owners Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, Jason Melillo and Richard Suda. It was the second career win for Dibs, who remains undefeated. He was also a 1:55.4 winner at The Meadows on June 24. Completing the race were Friskie Adam, Hawks Cry Hoboken, Players King, Clarksville Boy, Nolans Flash and Jakinator. Dibs was heavily favoured and paid $2.80 to win.
The trotters were scheduled next and Rompaway Galaxy was an impressive winner in race five, capturing the $30,000 second division. Mike Micallef drove the colt for trainer Krista Williams and owner Rompaway Farms of Battle Creek, Michigan. Rompaway Galaxy (Rompaway Wally-Rompaway Wynona-Mr Vic) appeared to be a victim of soft fractions of :30.3 and 1:02.3. However, Micallef tipped the colt first-over approaching the half and duelled with the race favourite until the final stride, posting times of 1:32.2 and 2:01.1. The race was the first career start for Rompaway Galaxy. Finishing in succession after the winner were Bradymeister, Master Mighty, Fiftyshades Of Nay, Happy Go Jamie, Heres Lookinatukid and Soul Train. Rompaway Galaxy returned $26.20 to win.
Pacers were back in action in race six for the $30,000 second division. Rocket Beau (Pine Valley-Sunny Sally-Falcon Almahurst) led virtually every step through times of :29.2, :59.4, 1:29.2 and 1:58.1. The gelding is owned by Jennifer and Beau Brown of Upper Sandusky, Ohio. Trainer Brian Brown called upon Chris Page to drive. Rocket Beau was an easy three and a quarter length winner and was followed home by Feel The Heat, Upfront Clays Boy, Two Will Forever, Buckeye Dreamer, Feel Like Autumn and CR Friskie. Rocket Beau was the favourite and paid $4.20 to win.
The final Ohio Sires Stake race of the evening was race eight, the $30,000 third division for two year-old colt pacers. Chance I Might was the benefactor of a perfect trip through fractions of :29, :59.1 and 1:29 before pulling in the stretch and capturing the sires stake in 1:59. Driver Tony Hall had Chance I Might (Stand Forever-Natures Course-Precious Bunny) perfectly placed for owner Rebecca Dwyer of Jamestown, Ohio and trainer Jim Dailey. Following Chance I Might were Feelin Speedy, UF Fast Feelin, Led Schneppelin, Osbornes Angel, Padre Davo and Friskie Shadow. Chance I Might was heavily favoured and returned $2.80 to win.
(Northfield Park)