by Dean A. Hoffman, for Scioto Downs

Columbus, OH — The Ohio State Fair is in full swing north of downtown Columbus, but the fair’s stakes races start Thursday night (August 2) south of the city at Scioto Downs.

Six divisions of Ohio State Fair races will be contested on Thursday evening, followed by four divisions on both Friday and Saturday.

On Thursday night there will be two splits of the Pride of Ohio Trot for sophomore fillies featuring such stars as Jessica Rayne, Rose Run Nellie, and Cinca De Maya. The freshman trotting girls do battle in the Ohio Fairs Trot and such talented rookies as Lady’s Starlet, Look At Count, and Royal Fricasee will be in action. The State Fair Manager’s Pace is for 2-year-old pacing fillies and Cating Around, Two Friskie, and Igottafeelinfran will be among the favored contenders.

On Friday the $42,000 Ohio’s First Lady for sophomore pacing fillies takes center stage and two of the favorites are sure to be Special Lady D and Forever Lover. The Ohio Governor’s Cup has been split into two divisions and such proven performers as Count Me In, Countmymuscles, Its Jesse Time, and Cody Coy will be fighting it out for honors. The Ohio State Fair Trot for first-season trotters should be an interesting contest and Heza Rube and Master Miracle are expected to get heavy action from bettors.

On Saturday evening, the pacing colts take the stakes in the Director of Agriculture for 3-year-olds and the Buckeye State Pace for rookies. Each will have two divisions. The Director of Agriculture’s top contenders include Noble Trick, Jetstream Friskie, Mr I Am, and Feelin Cornered. The two splits of this race should provide fans with some fast miles. The most likely to succeed in the Buckeye State Pace are That Friskie Feelin, My Last Chance, and Feelin Lika Winner.

Post time each night is 6:30 p.m.