by Jason Zielinski, Scioto Downs Publicity Department

Columbus, OH – Ohio Sires Stakes action highlighted the Scioto Downs Friday night card as two-year-old colt trotters and pacers showcased their talents under the lights. In the first division for colt trotters, Trojan Hero and driver Rick Schaut used a speedy final quarter posting of :30 to overtake Haste and driver Chip Noble down the stretch to stop the timer first in 1:59.1 for the ownership of B. A. and P. Soulsby, and R.E. Schaut. Also trained by Schaut, the Carry The Message colt won for the third time in six starts on the season, dropping his lifetime best mark in the process. An Easy Victory and driver Brett Miller rounded out the top three as the win by Trojan Hero returned $13.80, 8.00 and 10.80 at the windows.

The second division of colt trotters saw John Stevenson and driver Chip Noble earn a winner’s circle photo as the two combined to stop the timer first in 2:00 2/5 for trainer Billy Crane. The Thirty-two gelding also owned by James and Billy Joe Crane drew the four hole, and sat third almost the entire mile until Noble brought him to the outside after the three-quarters mark. From there, John Stevenson came to the front, and grabbed the lead at the top of the stretch, eventually holding off Master’s Light and Greg Grismore by a length at the wire. The mark was a new lifetime best for John Stevenson, and his second win in seven starts on the year.

Next up it was the pacers turn to shine, and shine they did as Compass Connection and Brett Miller combined to take the first division for colt pacers in 1:53 3/5. The post time favorite drew the second post position, but had some trouble early on, and found himself parked out and in fifth after the half. However, a final quarter posting of :27 4/5 helped his cause as the colt by Village Connection finished strong to hold off Medoland Model A and Greg Grismore by 2 3/4 lengths. Trained by Sam Coven and owned by Charles French, Compass Connection won for the second straight time and the sixth time in seven starts on the season. Herestheconnection and Bob Harper rounded out the top three as the new lifetime best mark by Compass Connection returned $3.00, 2.60 and 2.60 at the windows.

The second and final division of colt pacers saw Goodnite Buddy and Chip Noble visit the winner’s circle first in 1:55 for trainer Mike Lee. The Nobleland Sam colt has put together an impressive season so far, and added to his mark after coming to the front at the half and staying there through the finish to edge out Flea Market and Jim Dailey by 3/4 length in a tight photo. The post time favorite, who is owned by Timothy Lee, won for the fourth straight time and has seven wins in eight starts this year. Charlies Noble Id and driver Bob Harper rounded out the top three.