by Cheri Stambaugh

Berlin, MD — Heavy rains at Ocean Downs just before post for the early non-wagering events of the Maryland Sires Stakes on Thursday (July 19) caused an hour delay, giving the track crew time to make sure we had a safe racing surface.

The first early event for 3-year-old filly trotters produced an upset as invader Shelby-J left from post four and never looked back. Mrs Weasley, last year’s leader, had to settle for second best. Shelby-J is owned by Ranieri Farms, trained by Mike Hall and was driven to her 2:02.2 victory by Vic Kirby. Both fillies are by Tejano.

In the 3-year-old colt/gelding pace the old rivalry between In Front Charlie and Hotspeed continued. It took a photo to show Hotspeed was the best in 1:58.2. Mike Cole drove the Heat Zone colt for owner/trainer Thomas Leager.

Mycology went to the front in the 3-year-old colt/gelding trot, but let Judge On The Bench have the lead past the quarter in :30. Judge On The Bench was able to maintain a length lead over Mycology, stopping the clock in 2:02.2. Nick Callahan trains the Tejano gelding for owners John Swart, Jr., Barnard Jennings and Asa Swart. Vince Copeland was in the sulky.

Race six was the 3-year-old filly pace and Brite Jet showed everyone she was still the best, going wire-to-wire in 1:57.3. George Dennis drove the Jet Pace filly for owners/trainers Jim and Carol Atkinson.

The Summer Showdown Finals for 3-year-olds will be Sunday (July 29) at Ocean Downs.