by Cheri Stambaugh, for the Maryland Standardbred Race Fund

Berlin, MD — The beautiful Sunday evening (Aug. 9) at Ocean Downs opened with four early Maryland Standardbred non-wagering events starting with the 2-year-old filly trotters.

Bold Dresser (Explosive Matter-Pretty In Plaid) made it to the winner’s circle for the second time this summer in Standardbred Fund events for driver-trainer Oyvind Hegdal and owner Glat Kosher Racing, trotting her mile in 2:01.1. Frederick Hertrich III is the breeder. Frank Milby driving Tiara (RC Royalty-Panarail) was on the move at the three-quarter pole but was unable to catch Bold Dresser in time.

The colt/gelding trot was up next, with most of the freshmen acting up. Kent County (Deweycheatumnhowe-Duchess Of Kent) made a very strong showing on the track, winning by almost 24 lengths in 2:01.2. Frank Milby got the driving assignment from trainer and co-owners Robert Shahan and Donald Marine. The breeder was Frederick Hertrich III. After an early break Roger Hammer was able to get High Octane (Donato Hanover-Gaytanes) back on stride to finish second.

In the first division of filly pacers, Breadcrumb Income (Nuclear Breeze-Rose Royce) charged down the stretch for reinsman Roger Plante Jr. to nip Use Your Noodle (Artzina-Lo Gophobia) at the wire in 2:00. Richard Hans is the breeder, owner and trainer of Breadcrumb Income.

The second division of filly pacers produced a stakes and track record when Corey Callahan pulled Freeze Out (American Ideal-Mr Deli’s Filly) going up the backside to take the lead and hold off a strong challenge by Miss Read (Shadow Play-Yahoos) with Vic Kirby in the bike. Time for the mile was 1:55.3. Erv Miller trains for owners Paymaq Racing and Leland Mathias. Winbak Farm was the breeder.

The wagering card opened with the first division of colt/gelding pacers. Not content to sit third, driver Corey Callahan shot Power To Perform (Artzina-Shake Rattle Run) to the front before the half and never looked back, stopping the clock in 1:57.4 over Canthelpbutwin (Artzina-Native Canadian). Kyle Moore trains for owner Donald Marine. The breeder was Winbak Farm.

The Erv Miller-Corey Callahan connection proved successful once again in the final stake of the night, the second division of colt/gelding pacers. Redneck Rally (American Ideal-Ms Harrington) took the lead from Lissilas (Rocknroll Hanover-Lismorebella) at the head of the stretch, wining by 2-1/2 lengths in 1:56.2 for owners Anthony Lombardi, Paymaq Racing and Louis Willinger and breeder Winbak Farm.

Corey Callahan picked up four wins for the night, three stakes and one overnight.

Maryland Standardbred Fund stakes continue Thursday night with eight divisions of 3-year-olds starting with non-wagering events at 6 p.m. The Maryland Horse Industry Board will be in attendance making some winner’s circle presentations.