by Jim Whittemore, publicity director, Ocean Downs

Berlin, MD — Gloria’s Girl, a talented 3-year-old filly trained and driven by veteran horseman James Porter, won again on Thursday night (July 3) at Ocean Downs.

The Arturo-Rare Rabbit filly won her second straight in the Austin Thomas Memorial late closer stakes series. Owned by Eugene Landy, Gloria’s Girl paced the mile in 1:59.4 ($6.60) and looks to sweep the series in the July 10 final.

In Thursday night’s second division of the Austin Thomas Memorial, Porter drove Landy’s other 3-year-old filly entry, Jet Escape, who finished third. Alice’s Restaurant, another speedy 3-year-old filly, completed the mile in an impressive 1:55.1 (:27.3, :58.1 and 1:27.2). Eric Ledford had the lines for the Michael Hall-trained Western Ideal-Alice Alice filly, who was a 1-5 favorite in winning her fourth race this year.

“She’s a very good horse,” Ledford said, adding, “She could have gone a second faster as far as that goes,” referring to her 1:55.1 being the fastest pace this summer at Ocean Downs. Bring It Home, a first leg winner in this series, finished second.

Ledford followed his four-win night Wednesday with three more victories Thursday and now has 10 for the current meet. Driver Ray Robinson, Jr. posted a pair of wins on the card and after 10 dates in the 40-night meet is the leading driver with 11 wins.

Ledford also drove another Mike Hall-trainee to victory Thursday as 10-year-old Mr Love Joy won his 11th of the year (1:57.3, $3.20).

Another driving double was logged on Thursday as John Wagner teamed with trainer Manley Brown for wins by 7-year-old Mc Matz’s Ztam ($3.40) and 4-year-old Oh Gee Whiz ($4.00).

The meet’s leading trainer with one-quarter of the meet completed is Joseph Eisenhower, Sr. Gabby’s Love, a 3-year-old filly ($3.80) was Eisenhower’s sixth winner this summer.

Racing continues a Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday format through closing night, August 24, with a 7:35 p.m. first post nightly.

Saturday’s feature race is the fourth and final leg of the Bud Light Pace as 4-year-old Presidential Sam seeks to sweep that stakes series.

Parking and admission are free at the Ocean Oval. For more information, call Ocean Downs at (410) 641-0600.