Berlin, MD — The freshman Maryland Sire Stakes opened their season at Ocean Downs on Monday (Aug. 14) with two splits for filly pacers and one for trotting colts and geldings.

Fancy Like That (Rusty’s For Real) blew away the field in the first split for the ladies, scoring by 10-1/4 lengths over Covid For Real (Rusty’s For Real) in the opener. This was the fourth win in her young career as she stopped the clock in 1:58, last quarter in :28.2. Trae Porter guided the winner for Kasey Bendix, trainer, co-owner and co-breeder with Virginia Marvel.

The second division for the 2-year-old pacing fillies went to post in race three. Once again Rusty’s For Real offspring scored win and place when driver William Carter sent Rusty’s Baby Ruth gate-to-wire, scoring a 5-1/2 length victory over Marissa For Real in 1:58.2. Elwood Tignor trains for owner-breeder Ashley Page.

The trotting colts and geldings got underway before the heavens opened up for the night in the fifth race. Reinsman Victor Kirby tucked K J Dash (Lockkeeper) in the pocket for most of the mile, charging down the stretch to win by 2-3/4 lengths over front running War Pony (Yall Beneath Me). John Wagner trains K J Dash for co-owners and breeders Pam Wagner and Scott Woogen.

Maryland Sire Stakes will continue on Wednesday (Aug. 16) at the ocean oval.