The fifth leg of the Ohio Sires Stakes for two-year-old colt trotters and pacers, three-year-old filly trotters, and three-year-old colt pacers concluded on Saturday, Aug. 26 at Eldorado Scioto Downs. Two $55,000 races in each division were contested.
In the first division for freshman colt trotters, Tennessee Tom (pictured above), with Chris Page, got away slowly, but charged up the backstretch to take command on the way to an impressive 4-3/4-length victory in a new lifetime mark of 1:55.1. It was the third Sires Stakes win of the year for the son of Long Tom. Trained by Ron Burke and owned by the Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, Hatfield Stables and Knox Services, Tennessee Tom has hit the board in six of seven starts, winning four, and has earned $139,850. Royal Precedent’s bid to win a fourth leg of the Ohio Sires Stakes came up short as he finished second with E Pass third.
In the second division, Dan Noble took 3-5 favourite Deville Hill to the lead at the quarter and held off a challenge around the final turn from TTs Magnum Force to win by 1-3/4 lengths in 1:57.3. It was the first win of the year in six starts for the Clarence Foulk trainee. Deville Hill has earned $68,125 for owners Thomas Ceraso and Norman Rae Racing. Smooth Talkin finished second while Do Whats Right was third. Three-time Sires Stakes winner Spaaaanzano was scratched sick. The win was Noble’s 150th win at Scioto Downs this year.
In the first division for the two-year-old colt pacers, Janelle Granny and Brett Miller took the pocket trip, swinging wide at the top of the stretch and passing 1-5 favourite Clever Cody deep in the stretch to win by three-quarters of a length in a new lifetime mark of 1:51.2. Janelle Granny has finished first or second in all 11 starts for owner/trainer Betty Clegg. A four-time winner, the Fear The Dragon colt has earned $149,222. Clever Cody was looking for his fourth Sires Stakes win but settled for second with Pariss Dragon third.
In the second division, Rose Run Zane and Austin Hanners made it look easy, winning by 5-3/4 lengths in a new lifetime mark of 1:51.3. Hanners took the son of Racing Hill to the lead after the quarter and never looked back, winning for the second time this year in four starts. Trained by Dan Venier and owned by John and Leann Saunders, Rose Run Zane has earned $50,700 in his freshman season. Midwind Beach Boy finished second while Dancin Moon was third.
In the first division of sophomore filly trotters, Cornstar, with Chris Lems, made her move from fourth just past the half-mile mark, pulling even with the leader Truly Relentless as they entered the final turn. Around the turn, Cornstar opened up and drew away to win by two lengths in 1:54.4. It was the fifth win in 14 starts for the daughter of Coraggioso. Trained by Scott Cox and owned by Vickie Jennings, Cornstar has earned the majority of her $81,543 bankroll this year. Simply Hill was second with Along In Time third.
In the other division, Rose Run Yolanda earned her third Sires Stakes victory of the year. The 1-9 favourite and Brett Miller charged up the backstretch, taking control heading to the three-quarter pole and pulled away to win by 5-1/2 lengths in 1:54. It was the sixth win in 10 starts this season for the Todd Luther trainee. The daughter of Triumphant Caviar pushed her career earnings to $490,864 with just over $200,000 earned this year for Greg Luther Racing. Rose Run Yanae finished third while Swinging Senorita was third.
In the first division for sophomore colt pacers, Quick Trick and Tyler Smith entered the final turn in fourth, went three-wide at the top of the stretch and outduelled Racing Rampage and Dunkin down the stretch to win by 1-1/2 lengths in a new lifetime mark of 1:50. Trained by Jeff Conger, who co-owns with Knox Services, the gelded son of Racing Hill has won six of 14 starts this year. It was the 10th career win for Quick Trick, who has earned the bulk of his $129,000 bankroll this year. Racing Rampage finished second while Dunkin finished third.
Act Fast and Chris Page grabbed the lead heading to the quarter pole and never looked back to win the second division. The son of Downbytheseaside was never challenged, winning by 2-3/4 lengths in a new lifetime mark of 1:49.1. It was the fifth win of the year from 13 starts for Act Fast. Trained by Burke and owned by Burke Racing Stable, Knox Services and Rich Lombardo Racing, Act Fast raised his earnings to $136,165 this year and $348,429 lifetime. Ants Marching was second in a photo with Burnout third.
Page and Miller both ended the night with four wins each.
The $400,000 Ohio Sires Stakes championships are scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 9 at Eldorado Scioto Downs. First race post time is 5 p.m.
(With files from Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association)