Trotting colts kick off their OSS

Grove City, OH – It was a night to be a favorite in the opening leg of Ohio Sires Stakes harness racing action for two-year-old colt and gelding trotters.  John Dutton, Rumble Strips and Black Magic were winners in the three divisions at MGM Northfield Park Monday night (Jul. 18).

In the first of the three $40,000 divisions, 1-5 favorite John Dutton with Chris Page sat fourth through the first half mile before making his move down the back stretch.  John Dutton grabbed the lead entering the final turn and pulled away to win by 3½ lengths in 1:58.2.

JOHN DUTTON REPLAY

Ron Burke trains the son of What The Hill for owners Burke Racing Stable, Knox Services, Johnny Yoder, and RAS Racing.

John Dutton has a win and a second-place finish in his two starts this year.

Burton’s Hill finished second with A Real Legend third.

In the second division, Rumble Strips, the 9-5 favorite, rumbled to an easy five lengths victory in 1:57.2.  Kayne Kaufman raced the son of Long Tom to the lead at the quarter pole in :29.1 and fought off a challenge down the back stretch before pulling away.

RUMBLE STRIPS REPLAY

Rumble Strips has a win and a third-place finish in two starts this year for trainer Mike Polhamus.

Rumble Strips is owned by Constance Polhamus and Mary Beth Walters.

No More Sweets was second, while What A Mission was third

In the final division, Black Magic won for the fourth time in four starts with an easy victory in 1:57.1.  Chris Lems took the 1-2 favorite to the lead at the quarter pole and cruised to the victory for trainer Steve Cross.

Black Magic is owned by Richard Gutnick, Thomas Pontone, and Joseph Lozito and has earned $102,750 this year.

Jet Hill was second while The Buckeye Hill was third.

BLACK MAGIC REPLAY

Ohio Sires Stakes action resumes Saturday, July 23 at Eldorado Scioto Downs with the three-year-old colt pacers competing in the third leg.  First race post time is 3:15 PM.

For complete race results, click here.

by Frank Fraas, for the OHHA