Three-year olds in MSF action

It was a night of high-powered harness racing performances and thrilling stretch drives as Ocean Downs hosted the Maryland Standardbred Race Fund’s spotlight for Three-Year-Old Colt & Gelding Pacers and Trotters on Monday evening. Fans were treated to a showcase of emerging stars who left little doubt about their talent, speed, and grit.
In the opening event for pacers, Best Chip (Heston Blue Chip–Place Your Best) delivered a dazzling wire-to-wire victory in 1:53.0 for driver Mark Herschberger and trainer Vincent Stallworth. Controlling the pace from the outset, Best Chip never looked back, drawing away to a 9½-length romp over Don’t Say Maybe (Frank Milby) and Jojoslightning (Trae Porter). Owned by Bruce Stallworth, Matthew Bassett, and Steve Schefkind of New Jersey and bred by Winbak Farm, Best Chip reaffirmed his status as one of the division’s standouts.

In the second of two divisions it was a photo finish in the second pacing division as Snack Attack (Stay Hungry–Bridge To Tomorrow) dug in gamely to hold off a surging Primo Maschio (Trae Porter) by the narrowest of margins in 1:54.1. Driver Corey Callahan and trainer Joe Bongiorno orchestrated the winning trip for owners Philip Steinberg, Joe Sbrocco, and JAF Racing LLC. Charge Me Up (Anthony Morgan) rounded out the top three. Bred by Winbak Farm, Snack Attack’s victory proved that speed and courage are a winning combination. 

In the lone trotting division Yall Keep Dreaming (Yall Beneath Me–Upside Blue Chip) extend his winning ways with another authoritative score in 1:56.4. Guided confidently by Johnathan Ahle for trainer-owner-breeder Richard Hans of Maryland, the heavy favorite grabbed the lead early and coasted home, fending off Roan Ridge (Russell Foster) by 2¼ lengths. Private Sector (William Carter) completed the trifecta. With an unshakable stride and professional demeanor, Yall Keep Dreaming continues to live up to his name, giving local fans big hopes for the remainder of the season.

Next week the two-year olds are in the spotlight competing in Leg #1 of the Maryland Sire Stakes on Monday (August 11) and Wednesday (August 13).

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

From Maryland Standardbred Race Fund