Big triple for Russell Foster at Ocean Downs

BERLIN, Md. — Russell Foster led all drivers with a harness racing hat trick on Tuesday night’s (Aug. 6) 11-race card at Ocean Downs.

The Eastern Shore native struck twice with favorites in the first four races, teaming up with Clifford Scofield trainee Thisflightisrigged ($3.60) for a 1:59.2 win in a $5,000 conditioned pace before piloting William Wyatt trainee Bootlegger Charlie ($4.60) to a 1:55.4 score in a $6,800 conditioned pace. Foster capped his triple in the finale, a $4,500 first-level pace, steering Notaword N ($8.80) to a 1:55.4 win for owner-trainer Darren Ferrell.

Foster’s hat trick gives him 38 wins on the meeting, lifting him past Jonathan Roberts (37) for fourth place. Johnathan Ahle is atop the table, with 66 wins; followed by Trae Porter, with 60; and William Carter, with 40.

In the evening’s featured $8,500 top-level conditioned pace, Stunners Wish (Rusty’s For Real) parlayed a pocket ride into a 1:53.4 win over Stag Party. Tony Morgan drove the 6-year-old gelding for trainer Nicole Ratledge and owner Crissman Inc. In a pari-mutuel rarity, both horses went off at less than even money, with Stunners Wish returning $3.80 as the 4-5 second choice.

Live racing at Ocean Downs resumes Wednesday (Aug. 7), with four Maryland Standardbred Race Fund events for 2-year-old fillies headlining the 11-race card. First post is 7:05 p.m.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting Results

From Ocean Downs Media