Columbus, OH — The fourth leg of the Ohio Sires Stakes wrapped up Saturday night (Aug. 19) at Eldorado Scioto Downs with two $55,000 divisions of 2-year-old colt trotters. Aaron Merriman drove both winners as he piloted Royal Precedent and Spaaaanzano to victory.

Royal Precedent (left) and Spaaaanzano (right) gave driver Aaron Merriman a sweep of Saturday’s Ohio Sires Stakes events at Eldorado Scioto Downs. Conrad photos.

In the first division, Merriman took Royal Precedent to the lead heading the half-mile pole. Royal Precedent held the top spot until the final turn, where You Don’t Fool Me took the lead. As the two turned for home, Royal Precedent retook the lead and held on to win by a head in 1:56.2. Don’t Fool Me was second with Deville Hill third.

The son of Creatine has won five of six starts for trainer Sam Schillaci, with three of the wins coming in Ohio Sires Stakes action. Royal Precedent has earned $116,500 this year for Claude Gendreau Stable.

In the second division, Spaaaanzano and Merriman grabbed the lead heading to the first quarter and made it look easy, winning by four lengths in 1:56.2. Rose Run Zoom finished second with Tennessee Tom third.

The Coraggioso gelding has won all five starts this year, three of them in Sires Stakes action. Trainer Chris Beaver co-owns Spaaaanzano, who has earned $178,250 this year, with Spaaaartners, Bill Manes and Leo Fleming.

Ohio Sires Stakes action resumes with the fifth leg for 2-year-old filly trotters on Thursday (Aug. 24) at Eldorado Scioto Downs.