Freshman colt pacers unbeaten in Buckeye

Grove City, OH – Three 2-year-old colt pacers made it two for two through the first two legs of the Buckeye Stallion Series at Eldorado Scioto Downs Thursday, July 29. Five harness racing divisions were contested, each with purse of $17,500.

After the dust cleared Dirge, Moved Bythe Spirit and Western Ready found the winner’s circle.

Two of the three turned in the fastest times last night as Dirge (McArdle) stopped the timer at 1:53.1 with Cameron McCown for Brian Brown. The win came after being hung to the quarter and then going on to win by a length.

DIRGE REPLAY

The other speedy mile was turned in by Western Ready (Western Vintage) with Aaron Merriman for Scott Ferguson so in 1:53.1. The gelding got away fourth but powered up at the half to take command and draw away by six and a quarter lengths.

WESTERN READY REPLAY

Moved Bythe Spirit (Western Vintage) battled to remain perfect in the series. Moved Bythe Spirit was fifth and went first up to win by two lengths. The gelding is trained by Timothy Lane and was driven by Jeremy Smith.

MOVED BYTHE SPIRIT REPLAY

Trainer Virgil Morgan Jr scored with Fear No More (Fear The Dragon) in 1:54.4 with Mitchell Cushing. The colt trailed the field of eight and moved with cover to score by a neck.

FEAR NO MORE REPLAY

The final winner of the night was Robin’s Art (Art Official) who is owned and trained by Kent Saunders. The gelding with Roy Wilson driving was hung a good part of the mile but got up to win by a head.

ROBIN’S ART REPLAY

The third leg of the Buckeye Stallion Series for 2-year-olds will be held August 10-11. On Wednesday, August 10, the Champaign County Fair in Urbana, Ohio will host colts and filly trotters and 2-year-old pacers. On August 11, Eldorado Scioto downs will host the filly pacers.

For full race results, click here.

by Roger Huston, for the OHHA