Northfield, OH – The Ohio Sires Stakes for 2-year-old filly pacers made the first stop on its schedule on Sunday (July 13) at MGM Northfield Park.
The first division of the opening leg of the $65,000 Ohio Sires Stakes for 2-year-old fillies saw much excitement throughout the mile with She’safirewoman (Catch The Fire-Shesasmokinlady) putting away foes late to score an impressive victory.
The fireworks started early with Rose Run Bella (Tyler Smith) firing hard off the wings entering the first turn. While it appeared she would clear rivals, she had to settle for pocket position entering the backstretch as Hold On Tight (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) dictated the terms. The lead for Hold On Tight was short-lived.
She’safirewoman (Luke Hanners), parked through much of a :28.3 first quarter, was finally able to cross over entering the far turn for the first time.
Getting to the half in :58.1, She’safirewoman braced for the challenge of a first-over Juliet Capulet (Sam Widger) and a second-over Rodeo Dancer (Brett Miller).
Juliet Capulet appeared to be gaining on the leader entering the backstretch, but at the three-quarters in 1:27, Hanners stepped on the gas and put away Juliet Capulet by kicking clear to a two-length lead.
Through the stretch, there was never an anxious moment as She’safirewoman opened up by 4-1/2 lengths to win in 1:54.3.
Rodeo Dancer came on late to be second and Hold On Tight finished third.
It was the second career victory for the Mark Winters trainee, who is owned by Harry Horowitz. She pushed her career earnings to $44,689 with the victory.
In the second $65,000 division, Seaside Shuffle (Downbytheseaside-Hula Shuffle) scored an upset victory.
Much like the first division, there were lots of fireworks throughout the mile.
Deep Satin (Mike Micallef), Nancy Jane (Dan Noble), and Seaside Shuffle (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) all tussled for the lead.
After a three-wide skirmish for much of the first eighth, the trio sorted themselves out entering the backstretch. Deep Satin was relegated to third, while Seaside Shuffle cleared Nancy Jane for the lead just before a :28 opening quarter.
Getting to the half in :58.1, Wrenn was able to work out a second-quarter breather. That is where things began to heat up.
Entering the backstretch for the final time, Wrenn gave Seaside Shuffle a couple of taps to go on, as heavy favorite Shacarri (Chris Page) advanced first-over. As Shacarri inched closer to the leader, Nancy Jane, who was in the pocket, jumped off stride and left the course.
Seaside Shuffle got to the three-quarters in 1:27.1 and began to create some separation on the rest of her foes. Turning for home, Shacarri went off stride and scattered those behind her.
Through the stretch, Deep Satin made one final bid for the lead, but Seaside Shuffle dug in gamely to win by a nose in 1:54.3.
Trained by Ron Burke and owned by Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, Knox Services, and R A S Racing, the 2-year-old filly pushed her career earnings to $36,800.
Live racing resumes on Monday (July 14) at 6 p.m. (EDT).