by Cheri Stambaugh

Berlin, MD — The 3-year-old Maryland Standardbred Fund stakes started Thursday evening (Aug. 14) at Ocean Downs with the non-wagering filly trotters going for a purse of $28,900.

Explosive Attitude (Explosive Matter-My Foolish Dream) and Kelsey’s Commando (CR Commando-Anastasia J A) renewed their rivalry from July, only this time Kelsey’s Commando was able to catch Explosive Attitude coming down the stretch, stopping the clock in 2:00.2, last quarter in :29.2.

Victor Kirby drove and trained the filly for new owners George and Rose Bonomo.

The wagering card started with the 3-year-old filly pacers. Driver Tony Morgan sent Ain’t No Maybe So (Nuclear Breeze-Sunset Palace) charging right to the front with a first quarter of :27.1. The Lundell entry of Valentina De Vie and Rosie De Vie sat second and third, just waiting for the right moment.

Jonathan Roberts pulled Valentina De Vie (Bettor’s Delight-Flibbertigibbet) in the last turn, quickly overtaking the leader and winning in 1:55.3. Ain’t No Maybe So held on for second and Rosie De Vie finished third.

Valentina De Vie is owned by the Joie De Vie Farm.

After race three the Maryland Horse Industry Board presented Ocean Downs Racetrack with a Secretary’s Citation from the State of Maryland in honor of the track’s 65th anniversary. MHIB also presented track owner William Rickman with a Secretary’s Citation in honor of his many contributions to the harness racing industry over the year.

In the colt and gelding trot, Kandy Korn (Cantab Hall-Celebrity Kandy) got away sixth but driver Frank Milby pulled before the half, working his way up to the leader, Whichwayrightorleft, near the three-quarter pole. These two battled down the stretch with Kandy Korn crossing the wire in 1:59.4 for owners Bruce and Tanya Schadel.

The most exciting race of the night was the 3-year-old colt and gelding pace. In usual fashion driver Corey Callahan sent Tom’s Titan (Cam’s Rocket-Like My Mom) to the lead with newcomer Kingofthejungle (Well Said-Allamerican Calico) getting the pocket trip.

At the head of the stretch Tony Morgan pulled Kingofthejungle and the two charged down the stretch, head and head with Kingofthejungle, before winning by a head in 1:53.4, last quarter in :27.4.

Desyllas Racing LLC, William Beck and Carol Rieken own and Brandon Simpson trains.