Ohio Sires Stakes dominated by race favorites

Grove City, OH – Rose Run Zane (Racing Hill) and Clever Cody (The Panderosa) made it two for two in the Ohio Sires Stakes for three-year-old colt and gelding harness racing pacers, as they won easily Saturday night (May 1) at MGM Northfield Park.

In the first of two $65,000 divisions for sophomore colt pacers. Rose Run Zane with Austin Hanners outdueled Janelle Granny and Aaron Merriman to grab the lead with a :27.1 opening quarter.

Following a :56.3 half, Theheavyweightway with Trevor Smith challenged the leaders heading up the backstretch, getting to the leader’s wheel as they passed three-quarters in 1:24.3.

Around the final turn, Rose Run Zane widened the lead, but could not shake Janelle Granny, holding on to win by a half-length in 1:52.4.

Dan Venier trains Rose Run Zane for owners John and Leann Saunders.  He has won six of nine starts and raised his earnings this year to $129,820.

Janelle Granny finished second with Hundred Dollar Man third.

ROSE RUN ZANE REPLAY

In the second division, Merriman took Clever Cody from the rail to the lead and never looked back.

Clever Cody controlled the pace with an opening quarter of :27.4 and the half in 56.2. Heading up the backstretch, Clever Cody increased his lead over Rock The Hill with Billy Davis Jr. passing three quarters in 1:24.

Around the final turn, the son of The Panderosa pulled away, cruising to a two-length victory in 1:52.

CLEVER CODY REPLAY

It was the second win in three starts for Clever Cody who has earned $65.000 this year. Clever Cody is owned by The Clever Cody Stable and trained by Dr. Ian Moore

Rock The Hill finished second, while Outer Banks was third.

Sires Stakes action resumes Friday, June 8^th at MGM Northfield Park with the second leg for three-year-old colt trotters.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results

by Frank Fraas, for the OHHA