by Cheri Stambaugh
Berlin, MD — The final round of Maryland Sire Stakes prelims at Ocean Downs are in the books and so is a new stakes and track record for freshman pacing geldings.
On Monday (Aug. 21), reinsman Art Stafford Jr. sent Toms Tyrannosaurus (Cam’s Rocket) flying out of the gate and never looked back, stopping the clock in 1:54.4, setting both the sire stakes and Ocean Downs track record for 2-year-old pacing geldings. Lloyd’s All In finished second. Roger Hans trains for owner/breeder Thomas Cooke.
Two splits for freshman trotting fillies were up next. Driver Art Stafford Jr. picked up a stakes double when he sent Iron Mine Krystal (Four Starz Robro) out to take control of the field, missing the stakes record by only a fifth of a second in the 2:02.1 mile. Greg Haverstick trains for owner/breeder Iron Mine Branch LLC. TV Sensation was up for place.
Gaagaa Gone (Googoo Gaagaa) remains undefeated, going three-for-three for driver/owner/breeder Corey Callahan and trainer Richard Hans in the second division for filly trotters. Four Deuces finished two lengths back in the 2:05.2 mile.
The pacing colts and geldings returned in race six with a long photo to decide the winner. Toms Titanosaurus (Cam’s Rocket) was able to hold off a strong stretch charge from Ronnies Rocket to take the 1:57.2 mile by a head. Brian Burton was in the bike for trainer Roger Hans. Thomas Cooke is the owner and breeder.
Redline Rusty (Rusty’s For Real) returned to the winner’s circle after a loss last week, giving him three wins in his last four starts in the final split for pacing colts and geldings. The photo gave him a neck win over I Run The Show in the 1:57 mile and that gave Corey Callahan a stakes double. Mike Hall trains for owner Al Carter and breeder Carter Racing Stable.
The Maryland Sire Stakes summer finals will be held on Sunday (Aug. 27) and Monday (Aug. 28) at Ocean Downs.