by Cheri Stambaugh, for the Maryland Standardbred Race Fund

Berlin, MD — Ocean Downs hosted the 2-year-old Maryland Standardbred Fund Stakes on Sunday night (July 12).

The first of two early non-betting events was the colt and gelding trot, won by Iron Mine Bucky (Explosive Matter-My Foolish Dream) for owners Iron Mine Branch LLC in 2:02.4. George Dennis was the reinsman, Colby Hubble the trainer and Lois and Julie Swann were the breeders.

The filly trot went to Bold Dresser (Explosive Matter-Pretty In Plaid) who was able to hold off a challenge from pocket sitting Epic Smash (Political Briefing-Giant Smash) in 2:02.3. Both fillies trotted their last quarters in :29.3. Oyvind Hegdal drove and trained for Glat Kosher Racing and Fred Hertrich III was the breeder.

Corey Callahan took the first division of the pacing colts and geldings with Redneck Rally (American Ideal-Ms Harrington) in 2:00 over Next Success (Veeza-Quick Question). Erv Miller trains for Anthony Lombardi, Paymaq Racing and Louis Willinger. Redneck Rally was bred by Winbak Farm.

Callahan’s second stakes win of the night was behind another Erv Miller trainee Freeze Out (American Ideal-Mr Deli’s Filly) in 1:59.2 with Never Back Down (Art Official-Its A Breeze) two lengths back in the first division of filly pacers. Paymaq Racing partnered with Leland Mathias as owners and Winbak Farm was once again the breeder.

Maryland owner and breeder Thomas Cooke saw his filly Toms Treasure (Nuclear Breeze-Like My Mom) hold off a strong challenge from Use Your Noodle (Artzina-Lo Gophobia) in the second division of the filly pacers, stopping the clock in 1:57.3 for driver Jonathan Roberts. Roger Hans was the trainer.

The final stake of the night was the second division for pacing colts and geldings. Driver George Dennis gave Perchance To Dream(If I Can Dream-BJ’s Mustique) the perfect trip, sitting in the pocket until the three-quarter pole when he challenged the leader Hardhead’slilchris, winning by a length in 1:57. Willard Hall Jr. bred and co-owns the colt with Brian Wright who is also the trainer.

Corey Callahan had a total of five wins for the night at the Casino at Ocean Downs.

The 3-year-old Maryland Standardbred Fund Stakes will be this Thursday (July 16) with the post for non-wagering events starting at 6:15 p.m.