Impressive freshmen and sophomores finish out stake season at Ocean Downs

The 2023 harness racing meet at Ocean Downs concluded on Wednesday (Sept. 6) with the Maryland Sire Stakes for two-year-olds featured.

The $85,000 Ronald ‘Doc’ Banning Memorial for freshman trotting fillies was a non-wagering event prior to the card. Only I Exist (Yall Beneath Me) won her third in a row, sweeping the summer series for owner-trainer-breeder Richard Hans. Russell Foster was between the wheels in the 2:02.4 mile. New Concept (Lockkeeper) was second for the Wagner Stable.

Reinsman Victor Kirby sent favorite K J Dash (Lockkeeper) gate to wire in the $85,000 Hubert Jackson Memorial for trotting colts and geldings stopping the clock in 2:02.2. Locked out (Lockkeeper) took the place spot. K J Dash has 3 wins and a second in four starts for co-owners and breeders Pam Wagner and Scott Woogen, John Wagner is the trainer.

The freshman pacing fillies went to post in the $85,000 Dale Massey Memorial. Rusty’s Baby Ruth (Rusty’s For Real) proved she dosen’t have to be on the front to win, coming from near the back of the pack, she circled the field at the ¾ pole, drawing away by three lengths in the 1:57.4 mile. Yourgracefoundme (Mr Apples) finished second. William Carter received the driving assignment from trainer Elwood Tignor for owner-breeder Ashley Page.

The Ocean Downs 2023 stake season concluded in race 6 with the $85,000 W. W. “Pete” Shaw Memorial for pacing colts and geldings. Johnathan Ahle sent favorite For You Girls (Dontloseyourdayjob) gate to wire in 1:57, with The Editor (Wynnfield Scamp) finishing second. Katie Callahan trains For You Girls for owner-breeder Brian Callahan.

The Maryland Sired freshmen start their fall series at Rosecroft Raceway on Sept. 28^th.

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

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

by Cheri Stambaugh, for Ocean Downs