Grove City, Ohio –The fourth leg of the Ohio Sires Stakes kicked off on Sunday night (Aug. 18) at MGM Northfield Park. Seaside Diva (Downbytheseaside) remains perfect in the harness racing stakes, capturing one of two $65,000 divisions for sophomore filly pacers.
Seaside Diva won the second and fastest division in 1:52. Driven by Ronnie Wrenn Jr., the filly grabbed control of the field 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 favorite, Seaside Diva pulled away in the final turn to win by six lengths. It was the ninth victory in eleven starts. Ron Burke conditions the filly for owner-breeders Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, Knox Services, and Let It Ride Stables. She has amassed $545,305 in lifetime earnings.
No Foolin April (Brett Miller) was second while Katies Up (Hunter Myers) finished third.
SEASIDE DIVA REPLAY
Naked On A Hill (Nob Hill High) and Jeff Nisonger won the first division in 1:54. Naked On A Hill found herself third along the rail as the leader, 1-9 favorite Wasted On You made a miscue at the :27.4 opening quarter. The filly 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 three-wide in the final turn. Naked On A Hill dug in through her final strides to trip the wire. The pacer is trained by Mark Winters. She has hit the board nine of 12 seasonal starts, bankrolling $82,541 for owner Dennis Shaner.
I’m A Beach Lady (Aaron Merriman) held on for second with Zuma Beach (Wrenn) third.
NAKED ON A HILL REPLAY
Ohio Sires Stakes action continues Wednesday (Aug. 21) at MGM Northfield Park with sophomore filly trotters. First race post time is 6:00 PM.
For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.
by Ashley Dailey, for the OHHA