Two-year-olds reach final MDSF battle

Ocean Downs hosted the final four two year old Maryland Standardbred Fund harness racing stakes on Wednesday. August 10^th in front of a great crowd.

The first split for the freshman trotting fillies opened the card. Marcus Miller was not content sitting in fourth at the rail with Island Diva (Devious Man) going to the half and the pair flew up the backside to control the last quarter, holding off Call Me Goo (Googoo Gaagaa) by ¾ of a length in the 2:01.4 mile. Island Diva is owned by Erv Miller Stable Inc, Bowie Racing and George Golemes and Erv Miller is the trainer. Winbak Farms is the breeder.

Quarantine Crisis (You Know You Do) with Jonathan Roberts between the wheels captured the second division for the trotting fillies by sweeping from fifth to first, trotting her last quarter in 29.4 in the 2:06.2 mile. Dreamy Oolong held on for the place position. Jason Skinner trains Quarantine Crisis for owner and breeder Graham Grace Stable LLC.

Two divisions for the two year old pacing colts and geldings went to post as races 5 and 6.

Reinsman John Wagner sent Center Of It All (Rusty’s All In) gate to wire holding off Rod’s Beach (Roddy’s Bags Again) by ¾ of a length in the 2:00 mile in the first divison. Wagner also trains the colt for owner-breeder Pam Wagner.

In the final stake of the night it was no surprise when driver Marcus Miller pulled favorite Swift Operator (Stay Hungry) before the quarter, taking the 1:58.3 mile 1 ¾ lengths ahead of pocket sitting Night Terror (Badlands Hanover). Swift Operator is trained by Erv Miller for owners Erv Miller Stable Inc. and Bowie Racing LLC. Winbak Farm is the breeder.

The stakes season at Ocean Downs continues with the start of the two year old Maryland Sire stakes on Monday August 15^th.

For complete race results, click here.

by Cheri Stambaugh, for Ocean Downs