Wrenn wins both $55,000 Ohio Sire Stakes divisions

Grove City, Ohio – The dominance of sire Downbytheseaside continued as two of his sons, Bythemissal and Gulf Shores, won the two $55,000 divisions in the second leg of the Ohio Sires Stakes for three-year-old colt pacers Saturday at Northfield Park.

In the first division of six sophomore pacers, Terminator with Joe Bongiorno raced to the lead covering the first quarter in :26.4.  As the field past the quarter pole, Ronnie Wrenn Jr. pulled Bythemissal from the fourth spot and shot to the lead.

Bythemissal, the 1-9 favorite, passed the half in :54.2, leading Terminator and Buckeye Seaside.

Aaron Merriman pulled Western Ready at the half and took aim on the leader, pulling with a neck as the leader passed the three-quarter pole in 1:21.3.

As the leaders entered the final turn, Western Ready grabbed the lead as Bythemissal went off stride but came down pacing.

The two battled through the final turn with Bythemissal sticking his head in front as the two hit the top of the stretch.

Bythemissal held on at the wire to win by a neck and then survived an inquiry by the judges.

Trained by Ron Burke, Bythemissal tripped the wire in 1:50.1.  It was the fourth win in four starts for Bythemissal who is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Eric Good, Rich Lombardo Racing, and Weaver Bruscemi.  He has now earned $68,500 this year.

Western Ready finished second with Terminator third.

BYTHEMISSAL REPLAY

In the second division of five sophomore pacers, Sling Shock with Dan Noble grabbed the lead and controlled the pace through the three-quarters, hitting the quarter in :27, the half in :55.2, and three-quarters in 1:23.

Wrenn pulled Gulf Shores as the field headed down the back stretch and reeled in the leader as they hit the final turn.

The 4-5 favorite pulled away down the stretch to win by a 1¼ lengths over Fearful Intent and Sling Shock.

Gulf Shores is trained by Brian Brown and owned by Country Club Acres, Diamond Creek Racing, and Wingfield Brothers LLC.

The win was his first of the year and raised his lifetime earnings to $523,867.

GULF SHORES REPLAY

Second leg action in the Ohio Sires Stakes continues Friday June 17 at Eldorado Scioto Downs as the three-year-old filly trotters take the track.

For complete race results, click here.

by Frank Fraas, for the OHHA