Grove City, OH — It was a night to be a favorite in the opening leg of Ohio Sires Stakes action for 2-year-old colt and gelding trotters. John Dutton, Rumble Strips and Black Magic were winners in the three divisions at MGM Northfield Park Monday night (July 18).

In the first of the three $40,000 divisions, 1-5 favorite John Dutton with Chris Page sat fourth through the first half-mile before making his move down the backstretch. John Dutton grabbed the lead entering the final turn and pulled away to win by 3-1/2 lengths in 1:58.2. Burton’s Hill finished second with A Real Legend third.

Ron Burke trains the son of What The Hill-Fast Love for owners Burke Racing Stable, Knox Services, Johnny Yoder, and RAS Racing. John Dutton has a win and a second-place finish in his two starts this year.

In the second division, Rumble Strips, the 9-5 favorite, rumbled to an easy five length victory in 1:57.2. Kayne Kaufman raced the son of Long Tom-Lady Glider to the lead at the quarter pole in :29.1 and fought off a challenge down the backstretch before pulling away. No More Sweets was second, while What A Mission was third

Rumble Strips has a win and a third-place finish in two starts this year for trainer Mike Polhamus. Rumble Strips is owned by Constance Polhamus and Mary Beth Walters.

In the final division, Black Magic won for the fourth time in four starts with an easy victory in 1:57.1. Chris Lems took the 1-2 favorite to the lead at the quarter pole and cruised to the victory for trainer Steve Cross. Jet Hill was second while The Buckeye Hill was third.

Black Magic (Full Count-Glisten Hanover) is owned by Richard Gutnick, Thomas Pontone, and Joseph Lozito Jr. and has earned $102,750 this year.

Ohio Sires Stakes action resumes Saturday (July 23) at Eldorado Scioto Downs with the 3-year-old colt pacers competing in the third leg. First race post time is 3:15 p.m.