Maryland rookies kick off MSS

The freshman Maryland Sire Stakes opened their harness racing season at Ocean Downs on Monday, August 14^th with two splits for filly pacers and one for trotting colts and geldings.

Fancy Like That (Rusty’s For Real) blew away the field in the first split for the ladies, scoring by 10 ¼ lengths over Covid For Real (Rusty’s For Real) in the opener. This was Fancy’s fourth win in her young career stopping the clock in 1:58, last quarter in 28.2. Trae Porter guided the winner for Kasey Bendix, trainer and co-owner and breeder with Virginia Marvel.

The second division for the 2-year-old pacing fillies went to post in race three. Once again Rusty’s For Real offspring scored win and place when driver William Carter sent Rusty’s Baby Ruth (Rusty’s For Real) gate to wire scoring a 5 ½ length victory over Marissa For Real in 1:58.2. Elwood Tignor trains for owner-breeder Ashley Page.

The trotting colts and geldings got underway before the heavens opened up for the night in the fifth race. Reinsman Victor Kirby tucked K J Dash (Lockkeeper) in the pocket for most of the mile, charging down the stretch to win by 2 ¾ lengths over front running War Pony (Yall Beneath Me). John Wagner trains K J Dash for co-owners and breeders Pam Wagner and Scott Woogen.

Maryland Stakes will continue on Wednesday, Aug. 16^th at the ocean oval.

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

by Cheri Stambaugh, for Ocean Downs