Maryland Sires Stakes champions crowned at Rosecroft

Four Maryland Sires Stakes harness racing champions were crowned on Thursday night (Oct. 12) at Rosecroft Raceway.

For Your Girls (Dontloseyourdayjob) , the homebred of owner Brian Callahan, secured his second championship of his two-year old year, winning the $85,000 Wayne Smullin Memorial, pulling away to a three and half lengths victory over Firecracker Graham (Art Stafford Jr) and Tony Babe (Trae Porter), in 1:53.1.

FOR YOU GIRLS REPLAY

He pushed his seasonal earnings to $101,450 in seven starts, with five victories. Johnathan Ahle has been the pilot for the freshmen champion in all seven starts for trainer Katie Callahan. His full brother, Thor and Dr Jones also won on the card for VIP Internet Stable, also trained by Katie Callahan.

“Tonight I was able to sit a two-hole trip, I was pretty confident throughout and he got it done real easy,’’ Ahle said. Fancy Like That did everything right at Ocean Downs, but, choked down in the final. This time, there was no stopping the daughter of Rusty’s For Real as she went gate to wire in 1:54.2 to secure the $85,000 Ralph Hayward Memorial for Maryland bred freshmen filly pacers. Kasey Bendix and Virginia Marvel, bred, own and train the filly who is now 7-11 on the season. Porter has guided the filly through the season and had praise for how far she has come.

“Hard to believe we were here in May schooling in 2:05, and now she’s come on to be a real nice filly, its been an amazing ride,’’ Porter said. Rusty’s Baby Ruth (William Carter) was second, and Yourgracefound Me (Eric Davis) was third.

KJ Dash (Lockkeeper) and Victor Kirby scored the top spot in the $85,000 Earl Wagner Memorial, named for the Father of winning trainer John Wagner. He is now 6-8 on the season as he scored in 1:57.2 on the Trot. Pamela Wagner and Scott Woogen bred and own the gelded son out of the Muscle Mass mare, My Kid Sister. War Pony (Foster) was second, Locked Out (Stafford Jr) was third.

K J DASH REPLAY

“He’s been sensational. John (Wagner) has his staff have done a really good job with him,” Kirby said.

In the $85,000 Charlie Keller Memorial, Only I Exist (Yall Beneath Me) and Russell Foster made it 6-7 on the year, winning by open lengths in a two horse match over New Concept (Corey Braden). Richard Hans bred, owns and trains the winner. The 1:59.4 score raised his seasonal bank roll over $138,000.

“She’s been awesome. Last week she went 1:57.2 which is as fast as the boys went tonight. She’s been a joy to drive,” Foster said.

Marco Beach and Eric Davis, parked through an opening quarter of :25.4, carried on and stunned the $12,000 Open I Handicap field in 1:50.3 for his fifth victory of the season for trainer Alex Goldin and owner Antionette Bencivenne. Leonard’s Legacy (Porter) was second and Fantastic Voyage (Jared Moyer) was third.

Ahle had four wins on the card, Foster three, Porter and Jason Thompson each won twice, while Katie Callahan and Jason Bowers each had training doubles.

For complete non-wagering race results, click here: US Trotting results.

For complete pari-mutuel race results, click here: US Trotting results.

From Rosecroft Raceway