by Cheri Stambaugh

Berlin, MD — Freshman trotters and pacers were in the spotlight in Maryland Standardbred Funds stakes on Sunday (Aug. 7) at Ocean Downs.

The trotting fillies opened the evening with a $27,975 non-wagering event. Driver Les Givens was content to keep Spoonful (Political Briefing) in the pocket behind Stars And Deuces until the last turn, charging down the stretch. Spoonful stopped the clock in 2:02.4, a half-length ahead of Stars And Deuces. Nanticoke Racing Inc. and Delbert Cain co-own the winner, Les Givens trains and Winbak Farm was the breeder.

Hybrid Henry (Cam’s Rocket) and pilot Brian Burton combined for their fifth straight stakes win in five lifetime starts, once again lowering the stakes record for 2-year-old trotting geldings while going for $27,925. The duo crossed the wire almost 18 lengths ahead of the field in 2:00.1 for owner, trainer and breeder Richard Hans. JA On The Way was up for second.

Race three was the first division for pacing colts and geldings with a purse of $15,175. Reinsman Art Stafford Jr., behind Bags To Riches (Roddy’s Bags Again), put an end to Adios Muchachos’ three race win streak with a 1:57.4 effort. Bags To Riches is trained by Jason Skinner and owned and bred by Only Money Inc. Adios Muchachos finished in the place position.

The second split for colt and gelding pacers went to post as race five. Trainer Kevin Switzer assigned Montrell Teague the driving duties behind the undefeated Almost Cut My Hair (Barbar Pole). The pair did not disappoint the cheering crowd as Almost Cut My Hair scored his fourth win in four starts, stopping the clock in 1:56.2. A late rush by Mr Ham Sandwich was not quite enough to catch the leader. KDK Standardbreds own and bred the winner.

The eighth race was the first division for filly pacers with Montrell Teague getting his second stakes win of the night. He sent Liberty School (Delmarvalous) to the engine and never looked back in the $15,125 race for owner George Teague Jr. Inc. and trainer Ray Burton Jr. Free Flight Fran fought her way from mid-pack to cross the wire second. Time for the mile was 2:01.1. Winbak Farm was the breeder.

The final stake of the night was the second division for filly pacers going off as race 10. Honest Gambler (Roll With Joe) made her first lifetime start a winning effort, getting a record of 1:57.4 with Vic Kirby in the bike for trainer Chris Ryder and owners Michael Robinson, Steve Cheatham, Richard Lombardo and R B H Ventures. Hillbilly Jet was next up in the $15,125 race. Fred Hertrich III was the breeder of Honest Gambler.

Maryland Standardbred Fund Stakes continue on Thursday (Aug. 11) with the 3-year-olds taking the stage. The Maryland Horse Industry Board will also be in attendance for a presentation.