Early speed dominated the fields in the fourth leg of the Buckeye Stallion Series for sophomore colt trotters on Sunday, Aug. 11 at MGM Northfield Park. Three divisions, each carrying a purse of $27,397, went behind the gate.
Beaueastel won the first division in 1:55.2. Driven by Ronnie Wrenn Jr., the gelded son of What The Hill went three-wide to gain control of the field. Once on top, Beaueastal coasted through fractions in :28.1, :57 and 1:26.1 before tripping the wire with 1-1/4 lengths to spare for his second Buckeye Stallion Series win this season. The Melanie Wrenn trainee has won half of his 10 seasonal starts and put more than $135,000 lifetime in the bank for Wrenn Racing. His Glory (Aaron Merriman) was second and Prince Charmer (Anthony MacDonald) finished third.
Irresistible Son took the second division in true wire-to-wire fashion in 1:56.1. With no challengers, driver Anthony MacDonald eased the Triumphant Caviar gelding past quarters in :29, :59 and 1:27.2 en route to the 3-1/4-length victory. The sophomore earned his second win of the series and has hit the board eight of 10 starts this season, lifting his lifetime earnings over $127,000. Jason McGinnis conditions the winner for Thestable Irresistibleson and Hutchison Harness. Sir Maverick (Wrenn) finished second with Gabbys Rockytop (Merriman) third.
The final division was won by Gypsy Hill 1:56.3. MacDonald waited just long enough for the dust to settle before urging Gypsy Hill off the rail. The gelded son of What The Hill was first-up as they passed the :28.2 opening quarter. Gypsy Hill pushed on and set remaining fractions in :57.4 and 1:27.1 before winning by more than three lengths. The sophomore has won five of his 11 starts this season, including three wins in the series. Trained by McGinnis, the trotter has more than $136,000 in lifetime earnings for Thestable Gypsy Hill Grp and Hutchison Harness. Commander Tom (Hunter Myers) was second while Sup (Tyler Angus) rounded out the trifecta.
The Buckeye Stallion Series resumes on Wednesday, Aug. 14 at Northfield Park with two-year-old pacing fillies in action. First race post is 6 p.m.
(With files from Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association; photo of Gypsy Hill from a previous win)