Ragtime Red, K J The Thirteenth repeat in MDSS action

Berlin, MD – The spotlight returned to the sophomore fillies on Wednesday night at Ocean Downs as the second round of Maryland Sire Stakes Preliminary races for three-year-olds showcased three dominant divisional performances.

In the first pacing division, Ragtime Red reminded everyone why she was last year’s divisional standout. After winning her first preliminary leg with ease, the daughter of Getitoffyourchest out of Red High Heels made it look even easier this week, stopping the clock in a sharp 1:55.1. With Allan Davis in the bike for trainer Donald Brittingham, Ragtime Red cruised to the front and opened up at will, posting fractions of 28.0, 57.2, and 1:26.2 before clocking home in 28.4 to win by 7½ lengths. Post Jolene followed home in second, and Mygirlmia finished third, but neither could get close to the overwhelming favorite who continues to prove she’s the one to beat.

The second pacing division of the evening saw Toys Little Tinker bounce back in a big way after a troubled first leg. Sent off as the second choice, she seized control early and never looked back, hitting the timer in 1:55.2 with a sharp 28.2 final quarter. Driven and trained by William Carter, the Rusty’s For Real filly drew off by 10 lengths, leaving Lu’s Darling and Something Kitty to pick up the minor shares. It was a decisive return to form for Toys Little Tinker, who appears poised to be a major player in the upcoming finals.

In the lone trotting division, K J The Thirteenth put on a clinical front-end display for driver Fern Paquet Jr. and trainer Scott Warnick, crossing the wire in 1:59.1. The daughter of Il Mago exploded off the gate, cutting fractions of 28.4, 58.3, and 1:28.4 before cruising home to win by 7¾ lengths. Casino Magic raced solidly in second, while Yall Just Love Me rounded out the trifecta. 

With both preliminary legs now in the books, the field begins to shape up for what promises to be an exciting championship round for the Maryland Sire Stakes three-year-olds on Wednesday, July 16 at Ocean Downs.

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

From Ocean Downs