by John Pawlak, the U.S. Trotting Association

Delaware, OH — A torrential, mid-morning downpour did nothing to dull what had been a speed-favoring track on Wednesday at the Delaware County Fair, and that showed in Thursday’s first stakes, the $51,944 Standardbred for 2-year-old trotting colts.

Andy Miller Stable and Black Horse Racing’s Sumatra brushed to the lead past the opening quarter and went on to a 1:58.3 victory on Thursday morning (Sept. 19) at the Delaware County Fair.

USTA/Mark Hall photo

Sumatra scored a 1:58.3 win in the Standardbred for 2-year-old colt & gelding trotters on Thursday at the Delaware County Fair.

Andy Miller was in the bike for trainer Julie Miller as the son of Muscles Yankee-Lola Seelster won for the fifth time in nine season’s starts, lifting his earnings to $89,734.

Sumatra got away second from the two hole, but pulled the pocket and brushed to the lead past the opening quarter in :29. He was never headed through subsequent fractions of :59, 1:29 and 1:58.3. Epic Ranger (Corey Callahan) was second and Gangio (Yannick Gingras) finished third.

Sumatra has enjoyed a fine freshman campaign, with Grand Circuit wins in the Arden Downs, Historic Series and Kindergarten Series.