by Jim Whittemore, publicity director, Ocean Downs

Berlin, MD — Ocean Downs’ leading driver last year, Frank Milby, posted a driving triple on Wednesday night (July 9) at the Ocean Oval, but none of his victories came with favorites.

Milby had the lines with Phelps in the night’s opener and pulled the upset as the Don Milby-trained 4-year-old came from the eight hole for the gelding’s first career victory ($25.40). Milby also led 3-year-old filly Speedie Recovery to her maiden win ($14.40) in the third race, coming from the seven hole. Milby’s third winning drive of the card and 11th for the summer meet came in the ninth race as 10-year-old gelding DM Destiny won his first of the year and only second in the last two years ($10.80).

It was a tough night for favorites Wednesday as longshots prevailed. Owner/trainer/driver Leonard Jones, Jr. was a second race winner with his 5-year-old Crushin’ Egoz, who posted his maiden win ($31.00). That win produced an eye-opening 6-3 exacta payout of $581.60 and an 8-6 daily double return of $544.20.

Miserylovescompany, an 8-year-old gelding owned and trained by Robert Short and driven by John Wagner (who had a driving double for the evening), came from the outside eight hole to win his first in the last two years and provide wagering backers with a big return ($32.20).

The 8-year-old mare Modern Millie won her first of the 2008 campaign ($12.80) and together with longshot G’s Melody produced a 4-6 $244.20 exacta and 4-6-5 $1,348.80 triple.

The feature race of the card on Thursday, July 10, is the third and final leg of the Austin Thomas Memorial late closer stakes series. Gloria’s Girl, a 3-year-old filly trained and driven by veteran horseman Jim Porter, is a perfect two-for-two in this series. Alice’s Restaurant, a 3-year-old filly driven by Eric Ledford and trained by Mike Hall, is one-for-one while Bring It Home, a 4-year-old mare owned, trained and driven by Eddie Nickle, is one-for-two with a second-place finish.

Parking and admission are free at Ocean Downs, which runs a Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday live racing format through closing night August 24. First post nightly is 7:35 p.m. For further information, call the track at (410) 641-0600.