Future Hope, Go Get Lost series kick off

The ‘Future Hope’ and ‘Go Get Lost’ harness racing series for two year olds at Ocean Downs were created by Director of Racing Peter Szymanski and Racing Secretary Craig Andow to be prep races for the Maryland Standardbred Fund and Sire Stakes eligible with the hopes of having a division or two.

On Thursday July 7^th five two year old races went to post at the Ocean, one trot and 4 paces.

The only division of the Go Get Lost series for trotters started the night off with a mixed field of colts/geldings and fillies. Miss Norissa (Gregory Pecs) lead to the quarter in 30.2 where K J Roberts (Lockkeeper) took the lead only to relinquish it back to Miss Norissa who stopped clock in 2:03. K J Todd (Trixton) trotting a last quarter in 30 seconds came from 7^th at the half to take the place spot. Joseph Carroll drives and trains the winner for owner Cary Grady and breeder Gideon Brenneman.

The 1st division of the Future Hope for Pacers sent the fillies out in race 2. Countess Mara (Lis Mara) took control until the ¾ pole where Alllrighty Then (Stay Hungry) started her challenge, catching the leader in the final strides. Russell Foster picked up the driving assignment behind Alllrighty Then from owner-trainer John Wagner, Princeton Farms was the breeder. Time for the mile was 2:03.

Val’s Gal (Rusty’s For Real) showed a strong mile in her wire to wire victory, holding off Reachin For Heaven (Lazarus N) in the 2:01.3 mile in the 2^nd division for filly pacers. Val’s Gal is owned by Leblanc Racing, Wm. Lutz Jr. and Count De Money Stable. Roger Plante Jr. was between the wheels for trainer Steve LeBlanc. The breeder is Tom and Linda Winebrener.

In the 3^rd split for the fillies Corey Callahan sent She Is Risen (Roddy’s Bags Again) gate to wire with Arrhyththmic Dream (He’s Watching)  crossing second in the 2:01.3 mile. Shaun Callahan trains for his mother’s Breakaway Racing Stable, with brother Aaron Callahan the breeder.

The 4^th division of the Future Hope series was for the colts and geldings. Antaeus (Heston Blue Chip) scored his second win in 1:58.3 for driver-trainer-owner Chuck Perry Jr., Best Bet Stables LLC is the breeder. Night Terror (Badlands Hanover) was second.

As an added incentive in this series all participants receive purse money. The 2^nd leg will be contested on Thursday July 14^th with Finals on Thursday July 21^st.

For complete race results, click here.

by Cheri Stambaugh, for Ocean Downs