Columbus, OH — Ohio Sires Stakes action continued Saturday (August 30) at Eldorado Scioto Downs for 2-year-old pacing colts. Three $50,000 divisions went postward with the last division, race 11, going to fastest mile in 1:51.2.
Pet Project made it four in a row when he posted a two and a half length victory in a new lifetime mark 1:51.2. Trevor Smith has been at the lines for each of his continually improving starts and the pair won under a hand drive. Leaving from post six, Pet Project settled in third as Thunder Jam (Mike Wilder) and Gentleman’s Club (Aaron Merriman) played give and go going through the :26.4 opening quarter. Gentleman’s Club led the way through the :55.2 half, but partway down the backstretch, Pet Project came first up and by the 1:24 third-quarter had made the lead. Backninebar (Chris Page) came from the back to finish second with Gentleman’s Club finishing third.
Pet Project is a homebred for Jerry Zosel, Kathy Ratcliff and trainer Kim Dailey. By Pet Rock out of the Feelin Friskie mare Igottafeelinfrant, Pet Project now has four wins in six starts with $109,700 earned.
Crocodile Station set a new lifetime mark of 1:52.1 in the first division. Leaving alertly for the lead, Ronnie Wrenn, Jr. made the front with Crocodile Station before the :27.1 quarter. Leading the field through the :56.3 half and 1:25.1 third-quarter, Crocodile Station pulled away around the last turn and won by three lengths under a hand drive. Sparks N Fire (Austin Hanners) was second with Sunnys In The Sea (Trevor Smith) third.
Crocodile Station, by Downbytheseaside out of the Dragon Again mare Camera Lady, is trained by Mike Hitchcock for William Hartt. A $80,000 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale purchase from Spring Station Bloodstock, Crocodile Station now has three wins in six start and $97,100 in earnings.
I’llbetyourboots was victorious in his division, winning in 1:53.3. Initially getting away third, I’llbetyourboots made a move mid-way through the first turn as Swelce (Mike Wilder) led the field to the :26.4 opening quarter. Taking the field through the :56.2 half and 1:25.4, Crocodile Station was challenged in the stretch but was a nose winner over Swelce; Prolific Blend (Hanners) was third.
I’llbetyourboots, by Summa Cum Laude out of the Real Desire mare Age of Consent, is trained by Ron Burke for Bruke Racing, Weaver Bruscemi, Knox Services and Larry Karr. Bred by Judy Roegner, I’llbetyourboots now has four wins in seven starts and $136,460 in earnings.
The last leg of the Ohio Sires Stakes for 2-year-old colt pacers will be next Saturday (September 6). Other Sires Stakes action includes 2-year-old filly pacers, 3-year-old filly pacers and 3-year-old colt and filly trotters. Headlining the evening, however, is the return of the Jug Preview and a pair of $250,000 early closers – the Jim Ewart Memorial Pace and the Charlie Hill Memorial Trot. Both Grade 2 events, the Ewart was won last year by Little Rocket Man, while Winner’s Bet took the Charlie Hill.
The 90-day 2025 Eldorado Scioto Downs race meet is down to the last two weeks and runs through Saturday, September 13. There is a special 16-race Labor Day card on Monday, September 1, with racing continuing Thursday-Saturday later that week. Closing week of Scioto will host races Wednesday-Saturday. First post for all scheduled race days is 5:45 p.m. with exception of Friday, September 12. A special late first post of 6:45 p.m. will help accommodate horsemen attending the Ohio Selected Yearling Sale. More information about racing at Scioto can be found on the Eldorado Scioto Downs website.