by Cheri Stambaugh, MSRF Administrator

Berlin, MD — Two splits each of Maryland Standardbred Fund (foaled) Stakes for 3-year-old trotting fillies and pacing colts and geldings were contested at Ocean Downs on Monday (July 9).

The card opened with the $13,250 first division of filly trotters going to the gate. Pilot Russell Foster tucked Baby I’m Worth It (Explosive Matter) in the pocket behind Boo Boo Baa Baa (Googoo Gaagaa) and Corey Callahan, catching the leader in an exciting stretch duel in the 1:59.3 mile. Arlene Cameron is the trainer-owner and breeder of Baby I’m Worth It.

In the $17,075 first split for pacing colts and geldings, driver Montrell Teague and the gelding Own It (Roddy’s Bags Again) did in fact ‘own it’ when they went gate-to-wire, stopping the clock in 1:55.2.Toms Titanium charged down the stretch to get second. Josh Green trains for Bay Pond Racing Stable and breeder Winbak Farm.

The trotting fillies were back on the track in race three for the $13,400 second division. The Callahan brothers, driver Corey and trainer Shaun, returned to the winner’s circle after a week’s absence when Gaagaa Gone (Googoo Gaagaa) minded her manners after an unusual misstep last week. Corey and Gaagaa Gone held off heavy pressure from Crystal’s Pistol (Cam’s Rocket) in the last quarter. Corey Callahan also owns and bred the winner.

Favorite Slick Tony (No Spin Zone) gave driver Russell Foster his second trip to the winner’s circle in the $17,075 second division for pacing colts. Foster was not content with getting away third and took over the lead before the half, ending the mile 3-3/4 lengths ahead of Jeff Fout and America First (Roddy’s Bags Again). George Leager bred, trains and owns Slick Tony who is nearing the quarter-million dollar mark in earnings.

The Maryland Sire Stakes return on Sunday (July 15) and Monday (July 16) with the $67,000 finals at Ocean Downs.