by Ryan Zidek, for the PA Fair Harness Horsemen’s Association

Clearfield, PA — Sophomore trotters kicked off four days of racing at the Clearfield County Fair on Monday (July 30).

The meet began with two Quaker Stake races, with the first division being the closest race of the day. Dixie General and driver Brian Weaver held off a hard-charging The Final Frontier to win in 2:11.3. The Bedford County gelding is owned by Heidi Weaver and trained by driver Brian Weaver.

Ryan Zidek photo

Future Past was one of Eric Neal’s two wins on Monday.

Future Past used a late rush on the outside to score the victory in the second division for driver Eric Neal. Randy Neal trains the Classic Photo filly owned by Andray Farm, who has now won twice in four lifetime starts.

Next up were three divisions of the PASS filly trot, with the first being captured by Eddie McNeight and Northmedo Treasure. McNeight drove the Chip Chip Hooray filly to the victory in a time of 2:09.4 for trainer Patrick Medors and owner Northmedo Stable. Bloomfieldcantifly extended her win streak to four, taking the second division in 2:07.1. Chris Shaw drove the Cantab Hall filly for lessee and trainer Syl King, Jr. The third division went to Erin Kristen (Chip Chip Hooray), who went wire-to-wire for driver Dave Brickell in a time of 2:06.4. It was her sixth win of the season for owner Bill Kirwan and trainer John McMullen, Jr.

The final three races of the day belonged to the PASS colt trotters. Mulligan Bi (Andover Hall) won the first division for owner, trainer and driver James McIlmurray in 2:06.1. Sweet Talkin Tim came from last to first, going three wide in the stretch to win his first career fair race. Bobby Rougeaux piloted the Tiny Tim gelding for owner/trainer Sandra Petersen, and co-owner Donna Weyant. A short field of three wrapped up the afternoon card, with Ibanez (Wonder Dancer) going wire-to-wire for driver Eric Neal in a time of 2:05.2. The bay gelding is owned by Ellen Warren and Eileen Lineweaver, and trained by Randy Neal.

This win gave Eric Neal his second on the day, giving him the early lead in the race for the Buster DeSalvo trophy, an award that goes to the driver with the most wins at the end of the four day meet.

To watch the action on Monday from Cleafield, visit this link.

Sophomore action continues Tuesday at 12 noon, with nine pacing events on the card.

For additional photos, video and information from the PA Fair Circuit, visit the Standardbred Breeders of PA website, www.standardbredbreederspa.org or the PA Fair Horsemen’s website, www.pafairharness.com.