by Jim Whittemore, publicity director, Ocean Downs

Berlin, MD — A sixth race victory for 12-year-old gelding Boston Bambino (Mark Waterman, $23.40 to win) combined with trotters R Us (Frank Milby, $20.20 to place) and Jetset Matt (Michael Marx, Jr., $14.00 to show) led to a $3,516.40 trifecta at Ocean Downs on Wednesday evening, June 20. It was the first career win for Mark Waterman, who also trains and is part owner of Boston Bambino.

In the ninth race, 8-year-old Moonlight Forever came from off the pace to win and paid $21.80, setting up a 7-4-5, $3,757.60 triple. Charles Perry, Jr. was in the bike for trainer Alfredo Collazo and was impressed by the gelding’s desire to win.

“That horse knows how to win. He likes to win,” said Perry, who had never driven him before. “When I was scoring him down, I thought I really had a chance.”

Perry knows it isn’t always the fastest horse that wins.

“Sometimes a fast horse doesn’t want to win. If you take a horse with a will to win and put him in with horses of his caliber, if you get a trip, normally they’ll win.”

Raymond “Shorty” Robinson, Jr. continues to have a hot hand in the early stages of this summer meet. Robinson tallied a driving double Wednesday and after only three nights has seven wins.

He was in the bike for trainer Charlene Polk, whose 3-year-old Wynnfield Flash went wire-to-wire to win his second race of the year in four starts. Robinson also won with 10-year-old gelding OG’s Express.

It was a good night for the Collazo brothers. Luis Collazo had a pair of training wins, while Alfredo earned his second win of the meet with the Moonlight Forever victory.

Ocean Downs has a history of young track announcers beginning distinguished careers at the Ocean Oval. Working with veteran race-caller George Anthony this season is Darren Zoccali, who called his first night of races on Wednesday. Fan and track officials reaction was very positive.

Racing resumes on Thursday, June 21, with a first post of 7:35 p.m. The 59th year of live racing continues its Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday format through August 25. Admission and parking are free at Ocean Downs. For further information, call (410) 641-0600.