Strong performances in Maryland Sire Stakes

The Maryland Sire Stakes for 2-year-old colts and geldings continued Monday evening at Ocean Downs with the second preliminary leg for both pacers and trotters. Three harness racing divisions were contested, and each produced strong performances as these young stars move one step closer to the finals.

In the opening $10,000 pacing division, Better Gon (More The Better N – Graygon) lived up to his heavy favoritism, making every call a winning one for driver Anthony Morgan and trainer Adrian Wisher Jr.. Controlling the fractions of :29.4, 1:00.3, and 1:31.3, the colt powered home in 2:01.0 with a :29.2 final quarter to secure victory by open lengths. Owned by Frederick Weitz Jr. of New Jersey, Better Gon was followed to the wire by Dapper Time and Fast Willie, with B Real and Coach Cooley rounding out the field.

The second pacing division produced a pocket-sitting victory for Michelle’s Kyle (More The Better N – Kj Dr Michelle), who surged past the front-wheeling Beach Buggy in the lane to win in 1:59.3. Driven and trained by Jared Moyer for owner-breeder Scott Woogen of Virginia, the gelding displayed determination in the lane, surging late in the mile. Beach Buggy settled for second and Better B In finished a solid third.

The trotting division offered late-race drama as Booger Bear (Yall Beneath Me – Get Rich Quick) upset overwhelming favorite Y’all Got No Shot in 2:01.1. After yielding the lead briefly, driver Johnathan Ahle asked his gelding for more in the stretch, and Booger Bear responded with a sharp :28.3 final quarter to retake command. The win gave trainer-owner-breeder Richard Hans of Maryland a memorable score on his home track. Y’all Got No Shot was second after controlling at three-quarters, with Convicted Criminal finishing third.

With the second leg now complete, all eyes turn to the upcoming finals (September 3) of the Maryland Sire Stakes, where these promising 2-year-olds will again square off for state honors and a chance to establish themselves among the region’s top young Standardbreds. 

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

From Maryland Standardbred Race Fund