Buckeye Stallion Series action at Delaware

Grove City, Ohio – Sophomore trotters kicked off the fifth harness racing leg of the Buckeye Stallion Series on Sunday (Sept. 15) at the Delaware County Fair. Four $20,000 divisions, two for fillies and two for colts went behind the gate.

Tammie Sue (Long Tom) set a new lifetime mark of 1:57. in the first division of fillies. Driver Chris Lems left alertly from the fifth post position with Tammie Sue and never looked back. The daughter of Long Tom set fractions in :29.3, :59.2, and 1:27.4 before tripping the wire with two lengths to spare. Desert Hayz (Greg Bateson) finished second and Uncle Petes Dream (Chris Page) was third.

TAMMIE SUE REPLAY

Tammie Sue has won six of her eighteen seasonal starts under trainer Scott Cox. The victory pushed Tammie Sue over $100,000 in lifetime earnings. She is owned by Wayne Mast Jr. and Callam Racing.

The second division was won by Westfiftyfive (Long Tom) in 1:57.1. She sat in the pocket for only a moment before pulling at the :28.3 opening quarter. Guided by Chris Page, Westfiftyfive held off challengers to post remaining fractions in :58.1 and 1:27.2. Westfiftyfive cruised across the wire to win by a length.

Hot Tea (Tyler Smith) was second while Lady Almas (Brett Miller) finished third.

WESTFIFTYFIVE REPLAY

The victory marks the first series win for Westfiftyfive. She has hit the board eight of 14 starts this season, earning $45,650. Trainer Ron Steck co-owns Westfiftyfive alongside Gary Condit.

Gabbys Rockytop (Triumphant Caviar) notched his first Buckeye Stallion Series victory in the opening division of colts. Aaron Merriman settled 10-1 longshot Gabbys Rockytop into the pocket behind 1-9 Irresistible Son (Anthony MacDonald). Gabbys Rockytop stayed patient as the quarters passed in :28.2, :58.1, and 1:26.1. The gelded son of Triumphant Caviar made his move at the top of the stretch. Pulling to the outside, Gabbys Rockytop easily tripped the wire in 1:55.2.

Irresistible Son held on for second with Rose Run Zoom (Ty. Smith) in third.

GABBYS ROCKYTOP REPLAY

Despite not starting his freshmen year, Gabbys Rockytop has now hit the board six of 15 starts. Trained by Chris Beaver, the colt has earned $38,321. Johanna Beaver, Mineral Lick Farm, C. Beaver, and Steven Zeehandelar own Gabbys Rockytop.

The final division was won by Tabbys Delight (What The Hill) and Trevor Smith in 1:57. The gelded son of Long Tom got away sixth in the field of 10. Tabbys Delight gapped back and raced from the middle of the pack as fractions were posted in :27.3, :57.1, and 1:26.3. At the top of the stretch, Tabbys Delight pulled four-wide and dug in to win in his final stride.

Uncle Ruckas (Merriman) was second and His Glory (Page) finished third.

TABBYS DELIGHT REPLAY

Trent Stohler conditions Tabbys Delight. Unstarted as a freshman, Tabbys Delight has now won half of his 10 lifetime starts. He has earned $28,265 for owner-breeder Benjamin Graber.

Buckeye Stallion Series action continues with freshmen filly and sophomore colt pacers on Monday (Sept. 16) at the Delaware County Fair. First race post is 1:00PM.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Ashley Dailey, for the OHHA