by Cheri Stambaugh

Berlin, MD — The 4- and 5-year-old Maryland Sires Stake for pacers went as an early non-wagering event on Sunday (June 26) at Ocean Downs due to the entry of Toms Typhoon and Toms Tornado.

Toms Typhoon, the winner of the May series at Rosecroft, cut fractions of :27.2, :56.1 and 1:25.2 when Toms Tornado came up to challenge. These two were head to head in the final turn with the crowd cheering them on. Toms Tornado stopped the timer in 1:53.2 in the $25,500 race, winning by a length over Toms Typhoon and Spinout.

The time was a Maryland Sires Stakes record at Ocean Downs for 4- and 5-year-olds. Jonathan Roberts drove the winner for owner Tom Cooke and trainer Roger Hans.

Race three saw the 4- and 5-year-old trotters set a stakes record of 1:58.4 at Ocean Downs. Whitesville Dixon cut the first half with Doggone Slots coming up to challenge just past the half. Doggone Slots crossed the wire in front for reinsman Roger Plante Jr. Whitesville Dixon held on easily for second in the $25,600 event. Jay Boy was third.

Tom Morris Jr. trains and co-owns with Gregg Morris. This was a sweep of the series for Doggone Slots as he also won in May at Rosecroft.

Maryland stakes action continues with the Maryland Standardbred Fund Stakes for 2-year-olds on Sunday (July 3).