Lebanon, OH — The first leg of the popular Buckeye Stallion Series is in the books following seven divisions for 3-year-old pacing colts on Tuesday (May 3) at Miami Valley.

In all, 208 Ohio-sired colts and fillies went postward in 24 $17,500 divisions spread over three days. Purses for the first leg totaled $420,000.

The seven winning horses came from seven different barns and were steered by six different drivers. Miami Valley’s leading driver Brett Miller had the only driving double in BSS action on Tuesday. Win prices ranged from $3.40 to $55.40; and winning times ranged from 1:52.4 to 1:55 — proving anything can happen when very green young horses line up behind the starting gate in full fields. Intermittent rain storms kept the track wet throughout the day, another challenge for handicappers

Fluff Yeah (Trevor Smith, 1:54.4, $8.40) beat Odds On Capitalism (Miller) and Dragon Storm (Tyler Smith) in the first heat. The son of Pet Rock garnered his third career victory and raised his earnings to $39,224 in his first 18 starts. Trainer Bret Schwartz co-owns with Lee Bean and Nick Fulkerson.

Shane Falco (Miller, 1:53.2, $3.40) topped Noblesunsetcruise (Dan Noble) and Dakota Pearl (Kurt Sugg). A half brother to Ohio Horse of the Year Charlie May, sired by Racing Hill, Shane Falco eclipsed the $50,000 earnings plateau with the impressive victory for owner Don Tiger and trainer Steve Carter.

Self Made (Noble, 1:53.3, $6.20) was victorious over Dragthechipsmyway (Kayne Kauffman) and Dirge (Cam McCown) in the third split. Ron Potter trains the son of Fear The Dragon for Last Laugh LLC. Self Made now has four wins and $60,763 in earnings.

Fearful Intent won the quickest of seven Buckeye Stallion Series races for sophomore pacing colts at Miami Valley in just his second lifetime start. Conrad photo.

Fearful Intent (Miller, 1:52.4, $26) was the fastest winner in the seven BSS races in just his second lifetime start. The son of Fear The Dragon bettered Universal (Trace Tetrick) and Robin’s Art (Tyler Smith) for owner and breeder Emerald Highlands Farm. Kelly O’Donnell conditions Fearful Intent.

Bettor By Seaside (Kauffman, 1:53, $8) held off Seaside Hanover (Peter Wrenn) and Mr Nuttin Nice (Tyler Smith) to notch his second win, despite his overcheck slipping off halfway through the race. Dean Glispie conditions the son of Downbytheseaside for Always Finish Second Stable.

Our Holy Terror (Sugg, 1:55, $16.20) was the next colt to visit the winner’s circle, getting the best of Rose Run Xiled (Noble) and Whatchawigglinwith (Kauffman). Bill Webb bred, trains and co-owns (with Denny Miller) the Western Terror gelding, who notched a trio of county fair wins as a freshman.

The final division produced the biggest upset as Dirty Harry Too (Hall, 1:54.4, $55.40) found the sloppy track to his liking. The son of Nob Hill High upset Sea Luck (McCown) and Medoland Terror (Chris Presley) for trainer Mark Winters Jr. and Jr Stable LLP.

In addition to the seven BSS races, a $30,000 Open Mares Handicap Pace was also contested. Anthem (Josh Sutton), who has worked her way up through the conditions ladder, got her initial triumph over open company. It was the third straight score for the Sweet Lou 5-year-old, beating Gone Girl (Jeremy Smith) and Marloe Hanover (Miller) in 1:53.2 with a late rally from far back. Mike Hitchcock trains the winner for William Hartt.

Racing resumes at Miami Valley on Wednesday (May 4) when Ohio Sires Stakes fillies begin their 2022 stakes seasons, including Sea Silk who is the defending OSS champion and Breeders Crown runner-up. There are a pair of $55,000 divisions on both the pace and trot. Post time is 4:05 p.m.