Grove City, OH — The fourth leg of the Buckeye Stallion Series for sophomore colt trotters saw early speed dominate the fields on Sunday (Aug. 11) at MGM Northfield Park. Three divisions, each carrying a purse of $20,000, went behind the gate.
Beaueastel won the first division in 1:55.2. Driven by Ronnie Wrenn Jr., the gelded son of What The Hill went three-wide to gain control of the field. Once on top, Beaueastal coasted through fractions in :28.1, :57. and 1:26.1 before tripping the wire with lengths to spare. The Melanie Wrenn trainee has won half of his ten seasonal starts and put $113,725 lifetime in the bank for Wrenn Racing. His Glory (Aaron Merriman) was second and Prince Charmer (Anthony MacDonald) finished third.
Irresistible Son took the second division in true wire-to-wire fashion in 1:56.1. With no challengers, MacDonald eased the Triumphant Caviar gelding past quarters in :29, :59, and 1:27.2. The victory marked the second win of the series for Irresistible Son. The sophomore has hit the board eight of ten starts this season, bankrolling $107,918 lifetime. Jason McGinnis conditions for Thestable Irresistibleson and Hutchison Harness. Sir Maverick (Wrenn) finished second with Gabbys Rockytop (Merriman) third.
The final division was won by Gypsy Hill in 1:56.3. MacDonald waited just long enough for the dust to settle before urging Gypsy Hill off the rail. The gelded son of What The Hill was first-up as they passed the :28.2 opening quarter. Gypsy Hill pushed on and set remaining fractions in :57.4 and 1:27.1 before winning by 3-1/4 lengths. The sophomore has won five of 11 this season, including three BSS legs. Trained by McGinnis, the trotter has $116,427 in lifetime earnings for Thestable Gypsy Hill Grp and Hutchison Harness. Commander Tom (Hunter Myers) was second while Sup (Tyler Angus) rounded out the trifecta.
The Buckeye Stallion Series resumes Wednesday (Aug. 14) at MGM Northfield Park when 2-year-old pacing fillies take the track. First race post is 6 p.m.