Columbus, OH — The curtain came down on the Ohio State Fair Stakes on Saturday (Aug. 6) at Eldorado Scioto Downs. Two divisions each of 3-year-old colt pacers, 3-year-old colt trotters, and 2-year-old colt pacers competed for a total of $393,000.

As a shock to none, Bythemissal (Chris Page) cruised across the finish line in 1:49.3 to take the second $65,000 division of 3-year-old colt pacers. Confident after last week’s Adios win, the Downbytheseaide gelding got away third, but made his move to the top as soon as the dust settled. Unchallenged for the remainder of the mile, 1-9 favorite Bythemissal bested Odds On Capitalism (Miller) in second, with stablemate Barry’s Berries (Tony Hall) finishing third.

Lightly raced at two, Bythemissal has taken his sophomore year by storm. With seven starts in 2022, he has tallied six wins and one second-place finish for trainer Ron Burke. Bythemissal has put over $285,000 in the bank for Burke Racing Stable, Eric Good, Rich Lombardo Racing and Weaver Bruscemi.

Bythemissal followed up his Adios victory with a resounding 1:49.3 score in the Ohio State Fair Stakes at Eldorado Scioto Downs. Conrad photo.

Going off at 28-1, Rose Run Xiled (Dan Noble) set the first division of sophomore pacers off with a bang. Headed to the half, the gelded son of McArdle found a pocket trip behind the 4-5 favorite Pearl Snaps (Brett Miller). In the final turn, Rose Run Xiled popped the pocket and easily overcame the race leader. With lengths to spare, the gelding tripped the wire in a new lifetime mark of 1:51. Fearful Intent (Tyler Smith) railed for second while Risenshine Seaside (Cameron McCown) held on for third.

Trained by Christi Noble, Rose Run Xiled has found his grove in 2022. In 11 seasonal starts, the gelding has bankrolled $83,000. The state fair victory marks Rose Run Xiled’s sixth win for Norman Rae Racing.

In another new lifetime mark, Gabbys Bit Coin (Aaron Merriman) dominated the first $63,500 division of 3-year-old colt trotters in 1:53.3. The gelded son of Uncle Peter got away second off the gate. Despite a quick break in stride while popping the pocket on the backside, Gabbys Bit Coin regained composure and surged to the lead. Rose Run Xtra (Page) finished second with What The Blaze (Noble) completing the trifecta.

With $172,000 in lifetime earnings, Gabbys Bit Coin has been competitive on the Ohio circuit since his freshman debut. In 2022 alone, the Chris Beaver trainee has won half of his six seasonal starts. Gabbys Bit Coin is owned in partnership by his trainer and Johanna Beaver.

Merriman and Beaver teamed back up to take the second division of sophomore trotters with Caviar Gold in 1:54.3. Leaving from the second tier, Caviar Gold got away fifth. The Triumphant Caviar gelding tipped out past the opening quarter and made his move. After a battle for control on the backside with even-money favorite Guido Di (Brady Brown), Caviar Gold dug in to win by a length. Guido Di held on for second while Longshot (Chris Lems) was third.

The Ohio State Fair victory pushed Caviar Gold over $100,000 in seasonal earnings. The gelding has tallied five wins in nine starts for co-owners Chris Beaver, Bill Manes, Leo Fleming and Steven Zeehandelar.

The Real Way (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) took the first $68,000 division of freshman colt pacers in 1:52.4. The son of Downbytheseaside patiently sat third on the rail until the open stretch availed. With an inside move up the stretch, The Real Way bested Rockmelikeyameanit (Noble) by a neck with Act Fast (Page) in third.

As another product of the Burke Brigade, The Real Way has bankrolled upwards of $75,000 in just three victories. The colt is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, Knox Services and Let It Ride Stables.

Racing Rampage (Merriman) made it three in a row by winning the final division of 2-year-old colt pacers. The gelding by Racing Hill was determined to gain control of the field. Once on the front, Racing Rampage never looked back, winning as the 1-9 favorite in 1:52.4. Downrightdelicious (Lems) finished second while Somewhere Vintage (Smith) came in third.

As a $10,500 yearling purchase out of the Buckeye Classic Sale, Racing Rampage has more than returned his investment. Now with $90,000 in the bank, the gelding has won three of four starts with an additional third-place finish. Racing Rampage is conditioned and co-owned by Darren Dowler alongside Lawrence Bettler.

Live racing resumes Tuesday (Aug. 9) at Eldorado Scioto Downs. First post is 3:15 p.m. For more information on the facility and live racing season, visit the Eldorado Scioto Downs website.