by Cheri Stambaugh

Berlin, MD — Sophomore pacers and trotters took to the Ocean Downs oval for Maryland Sires Stake action on Thursday (August 16).

Jim and Carol Atkinson’s Brite Jet (Jet Pace-Brite Outlook) continued to own the filly pacing division as she played catch me if you can. George Dennis brushed Brite Jet right to the lead when the wings folded, giving rival Rockin Roxanne (Up Front Charlie) a perfect pocket trip, but once again Brite Jet pulled away from the field, pacing her mile in 1:57.

In the colt and gelding trot, Judge On The Bench (Tejano-Petite Windswept) remained undefeated in Sires Stake action, crossing the wire 4-1/2 lengths in front of Mycology (Tejano) in 2:03.3. Nick Callahan trains for owners John Swart, Jr., Barnard Jennings and Asa Swart. Vince Copeland was in the sulky.

The rivalry between Hot Speed (Heat Zone-Village Mystic) and In Front Charlie (Up Front Charlie-Mark’s Courtesy) in the colt and gelding pace continued. This time it took a photo to decide who would return to the winner’s circle. In Front Charlie was able to hold off the passing lane charge by Hot Speed, stopping the clock in 1:56.2 for owners Up Front Racing LLC and Mark Ford and trainer Kelly O’Donnell. Todd Jones was the reinsman.

Mrs Weasley (Tejano-Pigwidgeon) was able to maintain a steady lead the entire mile after Shelby-J (Tejano) made a break at the start of the filly trot. Shelby-J spotted the field 14 lengths but finished second, only 2-1/2 lengths behind Mrs Weasley who scored in a time of 2:02.2. Frank Ingrassia trains for owner Russell Williams and Jacqueline Ingrassia had the driving assignment.

Next Thursday (August 23), Ocean Downs will host the Maryland Showcase of Champions finals with the 2-year-olds going for $38,000 in each race and the 3-year-olds going for $32,000 in each race.