Berlin, MD — Two splits each for 2-year-old trotting fillies and pacing colts and geldings opened the first round of Maryland Sire Stakes preliminaries on Sunday (Aug. 4) at Ocean Downs.

A final quarter battle between Gooreatness (Googoo Gaagaa) and Cate’s A Keeper (Lockkeeper) had the crowd cheering loudly for their favorite in division one for the filly trotters. When it was over the photo showed Gooreatness winning by a nose over Cate’s A Keeper in the 2:03.1 mile. Russell Foster was in the bike for owner-trainer Richard Hans. Arlene Cameron was the breeder.

The pacing colts and geldings were up next and Jonathan Roberts sent Fantastic Voyage (Cool Flying Fun) out, getting the lead past the quarter in :29.3, then holding off Jordons All In (Rusty’s All In) at the wire in 1:58. Shaun Callahan trains for owner-breeder Dawn Amiss.

The second split for the filly trotters went to post as race three. Reinsman John Wagner behind K J Andrea (Lockkeeper) took the lead by the half, holding off pocket sitting Grey (Charlie De Vie) by a half-length when the clock stopped in the 2:03.3 mile. Scott Woogen and Pam Wagner are the owners, Shannon Trader the trainer and Clarissa Coughlin is the breeder.

Nvrfearlloydishere (Rusty’s All In) flew out of post seven to go a gate-to-wire mile in the remaining division for colt and gelding pacers. Don’t Shock Me (Nuclear Breeze) came from seventh to get within two lengths of the leader to take the place spot. Shannon Trader trains for owner-breeder Pam Wagner. Time for the mile was 1:59.3.

The first round of Maryland Sire Stake prelims continue on Wednesday (Aug. 7) with pacing fillies and trotting colts and geldings.

Ocean Downs also hosted their weekly driver meet and greet featuring Justin Vincent, Victor Kirby and Tyler Davis prior to the Sunday races.