Maryland-sired sophomores closed out their harness racing season on a beautiful night at Ocean Downs on Wednesday July 21st.
The filly trotters stepped up in race three with a great crowd cheering them on. Pride Of Windswept (Charlie De Vie) lived up to her reputation in the 7Ā½ length victory, stopping the clock in 1:59.4. Pride Of Windswept has won every Maryland sire stake at both two & three and now has 14 wins in 16 lifetime starts for owner/breeders John and Sarah Swart. Shaun Callahan is the trainer and brother Corey Callahan was between the wheels. Lookie Lookie (Lockkeeper) was up for second.
Reinsman Jim Morand sent Funnyfunnyriddle (Lockkeeper) flying out of the gate to take control of the mile in the trotting colt and gelding division, holding off a persistent Kaaching Kaaching (Lockkeeper) by Ā¾ of a length in the 2:01.3 mile. Les Givens trains for owners Nanticoke Racing, J P Magno and J P Fonte. James Magno is the breeder.
Driver John Wagner tucked Madisonsallin (Rustyās All In) in the pocket until the pressure started from the back of the packed at the half. When Wagner pulled the right line Madisonsallin flew to the front opening up 5 Ā½ lengths by the wire in the 1:57.3 mile. Intercoastal (Camās Rocket) used the passing lane to get up for place. Pam Wagner is the owner and breeder and John Wagner is the trainer.
After a break at the start last week Allan Davis gently guided Real Made (Rustyās For Real) out of the gate to get away fifth, pulling at the half, the pair gained with every stride, getting to the lead at the head of the stretch, crossing the wire 2 Ā¾ of a length in front of a late closing Rocket Sparks (Camās Rocket). Brian Wright trains for owner/breeder Willard (Dale) Hall Jr.
The favorites prevailed in all four races, all the finals winners were by different stallions, but all four stallions stood or still stand at Fox Den Farm owned by Tom and Linda Winebrener in Union Bridge, MD.
For full race results, click here.
by Cheryl Stambaugh, for the Maryland Standardbred Race Fund