Freshman stars shine at Ocean Downs

Berlin, MD — A warm summer evening at Ocean Downs set the stage for a thrilling showcase of Maryland’s finest freshman pacing and trotting colts and geldings as part of the Maryland Standardbred Race Fund (MSRF) stakes on Monday, July 28. Four harness racing divisions were contested under ideal conditions, and emerging talent was on full display in every heat.

The night kicked off with a powerful performance from Silent Investor, a 2-year-old son of Always B Miki–Southwind Silence, trained by Chris Ryder and driven confidently by Johnathan Ahle. Sitting second through the early going, Silent Investor moved to the front just past the three-quarters and pulled away down the lane to win by 6 lengths in 1:58.4, pacing a final quarter in 29.2. He is bred and owned by Frederick Hertrich III of Delaware.
B Real (Corey Braden/Stacey McLenaghan) finished a solid second, while Fast Willie (Russell Foster/Walter Bozman Jr.) rounded out the top three.

The trotting colts took center stage in Race 2 where Convicted Criminal, by Betting Gangster S–Lightning Lady, closed impressively to score a last-stride victory in 2:03.1. Veteran trainer-driver Les Givens steered his colt from mid-pack to nail Doctor Scott (Troy Beyer/Ronald Millman) right at the wire. The win marked a proud moment for owners Arlene Cameron (PA) and Nanticoke Racing Inc. (DE). The heavy favorite, Booger Bear, was unable to stay on gait and was distanced.

In the second of two races for two-year old pacing colts and geldings, Better Gon (Corey Braden/Adrian Wisher Jr.) surged late to collar Beach Buggy (Trae Porter/William Wyatt) at the wire, pacing a final quarter in 28.3 to stop the clock in 1:59.0. The son of More The Better N–Graygon lit up the tote board with 12-1 odds, earning a well-deserved victory for owner Frederick Weitz Jr.  Michelle’s Kyle (Jared Moyer) finished a close third after a strong uncovered bid.

The final division of the evening for the trotters belonged to the aptly named Y’all Got No Shot, who lived up to the hype with an authoritative 8¾-length victory in 2:01.0. Trained and bred by Richard Hans and driven by Russell Foster, the trotter by Yall Beneath Me–Ginger Hanover took command early and never looked back. Thiskissformaryell (Les Givens) and Flyin Wizard (Corey Braden) filled out the trifecta.

These Maryland-bred 2-year-olds delivered a night of strong performances and exciting finishes, reinforcing the state’s reputation for producing elite young Standardbred athletes. The MSRF program continues to reward excellence in local breeding and ownership while providing a platform for future stars to shine.

For full results and upcoming stakes schedules, visit www.msrfonline.com 

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

From Maryland Standardbred Race Fund