Favorites dominate Ohio Sires Stakes action at MGM Northfield Park
June 1, 2024,Grove City, OH — Rose Run Zane and Clever Cody made it two for two in the Ohio Sires Stakes for three-year-old colt and gelding pacers, as they won easily Saturday night (May 1) at MGM Northfield Park.
In the first of two $65,000 divisions for sophomore colt pacers. Rose Run Zane (Austin Hanners) outdueled Janelle Granny (Aaron Merriman) to grab the lead with a :27.1 opening quarter.
Following a :56.3 half, Theheavyweightway (Trevor Smith) challenged the leaders heading up the backstretch, getting to the leader’s wheel as they passed three-quarters in 1:24.3.
Around the final turn, Rose Run Zane widened the lead, but could not shake Janelle Granny, holding on to win by a half-length in 1:52.4.
Dan Venier trains Rose Run Zane for owners John and Leann Saunders. The son of Racing Hill has won six of nine starts and raised his earnings this year to $129,820.
Janelle Granny finished second with Hundred Dollar Man (Montrell Teague) third.
In the second division, Merriman took Clever Cody from the rail to the lead and never looked back.
Clever Cody controlled the pace with an opening quarter of :27.4 and the half in 56.2.
Heading up the backstretch, Clever Cody increased his lead over Rock The Hill (Billy Davis Jr.) passing three quarters in 1:24.
Around the final turn, the son of The Panderosa pulled away, cruising to a two-length victory in 1:52.
It was the second win in three starts for Clever Cody who has earned $65.000 this year.
Clever Cody is owned by The Clever Cody Stable and trained by Dr. Ian Moore
Rock The Hill finished second, while Outer Banks (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) was third.
Sires Stakes action resumes Saturday, June 8 at MGM Northfield Park with the second leg for three-year-old colt trotters.