Team Six filly fastest in BSS

Columbus, Ohio – Freshmen filly harness racing trotters took center stage at Eldorado Scioto Downs for the third leg of the Buckeye Stallion Series on Tuesday (Aug. 16).

Frantastic L (Team Six, Hank LeVan) led the fastest of the four $17,500 divisions. Headed to the half, the filly found herself behind 1-1 favorite Crysta’s Legacy (Tyler Smith).  After popping the pocket at the three-quarters pole, Franstastic L battled her way to a new lifetime mark in 1:57.4. Crysta’s Legacy held on for second with Bella Time (Aaron Merriman) in third.

Frantastic L has now tallied seven wins in 10 seasonal starts. Purchased for only $10,000 out of the Buckeye Classic Sale, the filly has bankrolled upwards of $35,000. Hank LeVan drives and trains for the LeVan Stables, Darmofal Racing, Edward Perry, and Megan LeVan.

In the first division, C S Irene (Long Tom, Smith) tripped the wire in 1:59.2. After getting away fourth on the rail, the filly found herself first up passed the half. Heading into the final turn, C S Irene cleared the front and marched home in a new lifetime mark. Jasmine Star (Chris Page) finished second while Pariso (Ronnie Gillespie) completed the trifecta.

The victory marks the second lifetime win for C S Irene. Mike Polhamus conditions for Matt Rowe.

Twish (Long Tom, Page) took the third division in a new lifetime mark of 1:58.4. She made her winning move on the backside. Pulling from fourth off the rail, Twish challenged the race leader and never looked back. Go Long Katie (Smith) rallied for second and Lose My Mind As (Austin Hanners) was third.

Trained by Dan Reynolds, Twish has hit the board in each of her five lifetime starts. With three wins and two second place finishes, the filly has bankrolled over $26,000 for owners Dan & Gary Reynolds.

Smokinhotirishgirl (Uncle Peter, Anthony MacDonald) closed out the final division of the Buckeye Stallion Series in 2:00.1. Leaving from post eight, the 13-1 filly found a pocket trip. Out of the final turn, Smokinhotirishgirl spotted the Lightening Lane and kicked it into gear. Allsummerlong As (Dan Noble) was second with O U Stacey (Crist Hershberger) finishing third.

The victory is the first for Smokinhotirishgirl. Jason McGinnis trains for TheStable and Hutchin Harness.

Live racing returns to Eldorado Scioto Downs on Wednesday (Aug 17) at 3:15PM. For more information on the facility and live racing season, visit the Eldorado Scioto Downs website.

For complete race results, click here.

by Ashley Dailey, for the OHHA