Hastings, MI – With a card hosting several 3-year-old divisions of Michigan Sire Stakes action on Tuesday (Aug. 19), a division for colt and gelding trotters found that a pair could not be separated by the photo finish camera at the wire resulting in a two-horse dead heat for the win.
In race six, New Plan Stan (Musclesprinctonian – Vegas Sunset) driven and trained by Greg Bateson and co-owned by Ernest Ayers and Bateson matched strides and noses on the line with Chip of the South (Bourbon Chip – Belle of the South) driven by Rick Dobson who co-owns the gelding with Teresa Marotta and Melissa Kesler and is trained by Monica Krist. The pair stopped the timer in 2:08.2 and had some 12 lengths over third-place finisher Bandsrompawaykid (Bands Kid Jazz – Rompaway Liberty) driven by David Lake.
Race five was another division for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters and JM Rigs (Big Rigs – Filly Bay) overcame an early break before the start to sweep by the field late and win in a time of 2:08.2 (equaling the final time of race six). JM Rigs is owned in partnership by Justin Irvine and Jessica Otten and trained and driven by Justin Irvine.
The other division winners were:
Three-year-old filly trotters – Capella Star (Big Rigs – Dreamy Secret) owned/trained/driven by Lavern Miller (2:05); and Westwinds Pegasus (Celebrity Pegasus – Keep the Cash) owned by Lewayne Miller and Platinum Stables and trained and driven by Miller (2:02.4).
Three-year-old colt and gelding pacers – Hardt of a King (Manhardt – Earhart Hanover) owned and trained by Kelly Goodwin and driven by Brad Kramer (2:00.4); and Uallgonnamakemeloo (Bondi Hanover – Wind Squall) owned by Rockstar Meadows for trainer/driver Lewayne Miller (2:03).
Lewayne Miller had a driving/training double on the program. Driver Ty Goodell earned his first pari-mutuel win in race two aboard Precious Cat (Freaky Feet Pete – Precious Gracie) for owners Carolyn and Frederick Shiery and trainer Sam Eicher.
Racing resumes Wednesday (Aug 20) in Hastings, MI at Northville Downs at Barry Expo Center with a first race post time of 1 p.m. ET. The 11-race program features divisions of the 2-year-old Michigan Sire Stakes.