Sophomores take new marks in OSS

Columbus, Ohio – Leg Three of the Ohio Sires Stakes for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers took center stage at Eldorado Scioto Downs on Saturday (July 23). Both $55,000 divisional harness racing winners, Western Ready and Gulf Shores, blazed new lifetime marks.

Western Ready (Western Vintage) (Aaron Merriman) took the first division in 1:51.1.

The gelding found the pocket for a moment before charging for the lead. Once he gained control of the field, there was no looking back.

The gelding opened up by five lengths, gliding across the wire in an easy victory. Dragononthebeach (Tyler Smith) rallied for second while Buckeye Seaside (Tony Hall) was third.

WESTERN READY REPLAY

The OSS victory marked the first of the season for Western Ready and more than doubled his 2022 earnings. Scott Ferguson trains for Toops Stable.

Gulf Shores (Downbytheseaside) (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) dominated the final division in 1:50.3.

He timed the gate perfectly to win in wire to wire fashion.

The 9-5 favorite remained unchallenged throughout the mile, setting fractions in :26.4, :56.1, and 1:22.4 before tripping the finish in his second OSS Leg victory in as many tries. Seaside Way (Chris Page) finished second and Sling Shock (Dan Noble) completed the trifecta.

GULF SHORES REPLAY

Trained by Brian Brown, Gulf Shores has hit the board in all six of his seasonal starts. With three wins under his belt in 2022, the colt has bankrolled over $144,000. The colt is owned in partnership by Country Club Acres, Diamond Creek Racing, and the Wingfield Brothers.

Overlooked at 28-1, Roll Em (Time To Roll) (Hall) stole the $40,000 Invitational Pace in 1:49.1. Despite leaving from the rail, the 4-year-old gelding got away last. He gapped by two lengths on the backside but found another gear at the top of the stretch. With a final quarter in :27.2, Roll Em equaled his lifetime mark in the Invitational victory. Later Dudes (Page) and Makin Some Noise (Wrenn Jr.) came to wire together in a dead heat for second.

ROLL EM REPLAY

Ron Burke trains and co-owns Roll Em with Weaver Bruscemi, Frank Baldachino, and Beasty LLC.

Live racing resumes Tuesday (July 26) at Eldorado Scioto Downs. Six divisions of the Buckeye Stallion Series for 2-year-old filly pacers will highlight the program. First post is 3:15PM. For more information on the facility and live racing season, visit the Eldorado Scioto Downs website.