by Ozi Menakaya, marketing/publicity director, Ocean Downs

Berlin, MD — Action at Ocean Downs on Wednesday evening (August 5) featured the second leg races of the Hal Belote Memorial Series. Hal Belote was an accomplished driver and trotting trainer, who died in an on-track accident on May 15, 2006 at Harrington Raceway. The series is held in tribute of this honorable horseman whose life was taken away too soon.

The winner of the first leg in division one, Nanticoke Snazz, returned to race again in the same division. The 5-year-old gelding proved his previous win was no fluke by making his second appearance in the winner’s circle.

Starting the race from the four hole, the son of Loge Snazzy took a patient approach at the beginning of the race. Nanticoke Snazz, piloted by Les Givens, baited his opponents, sitting third until the leader Super Snappy reached the half in :59. Givens then drove his horse three wide to pass the leader just before reaching the three-quarter mark in 1:29.4. Then it was all dust behind Nanticoke Snazz, as no horse was behind him for 10 lengths when he crossed the finish line in 2:01.

Juanita, winner of the first leg in division two of the series, played the role of Nanticoke Snazz’s copycat. Juanita also had visions of repeating Wednesday evening. The 4-year-old mare also utilized the same driver and trainer as Nanticoke Snazz in Les Givens. These tactics proved to yield the same winning result.

Aided by starting on the rail, the mare only had to pass one other horse the entire race (Evan Bo Bevan). Juanita took the finish line first in 2:01, just like Nanticoke Snazz.

“Those are two very fine horses,” said Les Givens. “As a 3-year-old, Nanticoke Snazz won the Delaware stakes. But an injury slowed him down. Now that he’s healthy, he’s back in his winning form.”

Givens also had fine words for Juanita.

“Juanita is in a class of her own. In her 27 lifetime starts, she has 20 wins. As a 2- and 3-year-old she swept both the Maryland and Delaware stakes; she’s a racehorse,” said Givens.

Both Nanticoke Snazz and Juanita will return next Wednesday, August 12, for the final of the Hal Belote Memorial.