by Cheri Stambaugh

Berlin, MD — The Maryland Sire Stakes season opened up over the past two evenings at Ocean Downs.

The 4- and 5-year-old open pace was contested on Sunday (June 25) as race six. Reinsman Russell Foster sent the favorite Toms Typhoon (Cam’s Rocket-High Speed Racer) to the front and never looked back in the stakes record of 1:55.3 for gelding pacers. Roger Hans trains the 5-year-old for owner/breeder Thomas Cooke. Toms Tae Kwon Do was up for place while Whitesville Mason finished third.

On Monday (June 26) two divisions of the 4- and 5-year-old Maryland Sire Stake for trotters went as early non-wagering events.

In the first division it was a family affair when Rock The Game (Cam’s Rocket-Game Speed) returned to the winner’s circle for owner Breakaway Racing (Dolly Callahan), trainer Shaun Callahan and breeder Nick Callahan. The 17 length lead, mile in 1:58.4 gave Rock the Game the stakes record for older filly trotters. Frank Milby was in the bike. Whitesville Deb was second.

After spending a couple of starts at Yonkers, trainer Arlene Cameron brought Speed It (Cam’s Rocket-Hyercast) back to his Maryland roots. Pilot Brian Burton went right to the lead setting another stakes record for older gelding trotters of 1:56.1 with Doggone Slots coming up for place. Richard Hans is the owner/breeder of Speed It.

July 2 and 3 brings the 3-year-old Maryland Standardbred Fund Stakes to Ocean Downs.