Series finals held at Ocean Downs

Ocean Downs hosted the Finals for the Future Hope series for freshman harness racing pacers and the Go Get Lost series for freshman trotters on Thursday July 21^st with a slight heat and storm delay.

In the Future Hope for the pacing colts and geldings, Reinsman Roger Plante Jr. tucked Night Terror (Badlands Hanover) in the pocket pulling on the way to the ¾ pole and ducking back in at the head of the stretch to fly up the passing lane winning by a half-length over Bad Boy Too (Badlands Hanover) in the 1:58.4 mile on the sloppy track.

Steve LeBlanc trains the winner for owners LeBlanc Racing LLC, William Lutz Jr., Count De Money Stable and Ronald Jones. Winbak Farm is the breeder.

Roger Plante Jr. and trainer Steve LeBlanc returned to the winner’s circle when Val’s Girl (Rusty’s For Real) swept the Future Hope series for filly pacers scoring in 1:59.2 on the off track, coming from 4^th at the half to circle the field in the last quarter pacing home in 29.2. for owners LeBlanc Racing LLC, William Lutz Jr. and Count De Money Stable.

The breeders are Tom and Linda Winebrener. Naked Truth (Lazarus N) took the place spot.

A mixed field of fillies and colts and gelding went to the gate in the Go Get Lost final. With a lot of action leaving the gate and the first quarter in 29.2 for the freshman trotters on the sloppy track, K J Todd (Trixton) pulled off his second win in the series for owner and breeder Pamela Wagner, trainer John Wagner and driver Russell Foster. K J Alexander (What The Hill) who was parked to the half hung on for second.

The 2^nd legs of The Marlin claiming series were also contested with What’s You Beef taking the first split for driver Jonathan Roberts and trainer Mile Hall and Fire Light scoring in the second division for driver Jason Thompson and trainer Joe Columbo.

The three-year-old Maryland Sire Stakes finals that were carried over from the Wednesday July 20th cancellation will be raced on Wednesday July 27^th.

For complete race results, click here.

by Cheri Stambaugh, for the Maryland Standardbred Fund