Seaside Diva remains perfect through four legs of the Ohio Sires Stakes this season after winning her latest division for sophomore filly pacers on Sunday, Aug. 18 at MGM Northfield Park.
Seaside Diva won the fastest of two $89,041 fourth-round divisions in 1:52. Driven by Ronnie Wrenn Jr., the daughter of Downbytheseaside took control of the field early on and never looked back. Seaside Diva held off all challengers to set fractions in :27, :55.4 and 1:24. As the 1-9 betting favourite, Seaside Diva pulled away in the final turn to win by more than six lengths. No Foolin April (Brett Miller) was second while Katies Up (Hunter Myers) finished third.
Ron Burke conditions the homebred filly, who is now nine-for-11 this year, for owners Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, Knox Services and Let It Ride Stables. Seaside Diva has amassed nearly $660,000 in lifetime earnings.
Naked On A Hill and driver Jeff Nisonger won the other division in 1:54. Naked On A Hill found herself third along the rail as the leader, 1-9 favourite Wasted On You (Brett Miller), made a miscue at the :27.4 opening quarter. Naked On A Hill was gapped back six lengths from the lead as they passed the half in :57.2. Shifting into gear at the 1:24.4 third-quarter pole, Nisonger followed cover before pulling the daughter of Nob Hill High three-wide in the final turn. Naked On A Hill dug in through her final strides to trip the wire first more than a length in front of Im A Beach Lady (Aaron Merriman), who on held on for second, with Zuma Beach (Wrenn) third.
Naked On A Hill is trained by Mark Winters for owner/breeder Dennis Shaner. She has hit the board in nine of 12 seasonal starts, including four times a winner. Her career bankroll now sits just shy of the $200,000 mark.
Ohio Sires Stakes action continues on Wednesday, Aug. 21 at Northfield Park with sophomore filly trotters in action. First race post time is 6 p.m.
(With files from Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association)