Berlin, MD — The 2023 meet at Ocean Downs concluded on Wednesday (Sept. 6) with the Maryland Sire Stakes finals for 2-year-olds featured.

The $85,000 Ronald ‘Doc’ Banning Memorial for freshman trotting fillies was a non-wagering event prior to the card. Only I Exist (Yall Beneath Me) won her third in a row, sweeping the summer series for owner-trainer-breeder Richard Hans. Russell Foster was between the wheels in the 2:02.4 mile. New Concept (Lockkeeper) was second for the Wagner Stable.

Reinsman Victor Kirby sent favorite K J Dash (Lockkeeper) gate-to-wire in the $85,000 Hubert Jackson Memorial for trotting colts and geldings, stopping the clock in 2:02.2. Locked Out (Lockkeeper) took the place spot. K J Dash has three wins and a second in four starts for co-owners and breeders Pam Wagner and Scott Woogen, John Wagner is the trainer.

The freshman pacing fillies went to post in the $85,000 Dale Massey Memorial. Rusty’s Baby Ruth (Rusty’s For Real) proved she does not have to be on the front to win. Coming from near the back of the pack, she circled the field at the three-quarter pole, drawing away by three lengths in the 1:57.4 mile. Yourgracefound Me (Mr Apples) finished second. William Carter received the driving assignment from trainer Elwood Tignor for owner-breeder Ashley Page.

The Ocean Downs 2023 stakes season concluded in race six with the $85,000 W. W. “Pete” Shaw Memorial for pacing colts and geldings. Johnathan Ahle sent favorite For You Girls (Dontloseyourdayjob) gate-to-wire in 1:57, with The Editor (Wynnfield Scamp) finishing second. Katie Callahan trains For You Girls for owner-breeder Brian Callahan.

The Maryland sired freshmen start their fall series at Rosecroft Raceway on Sept. 28.