by Dean Hoffman for Scioto Downs

Three contenders for the North America Cup were in action in qualifiers at Scioto Downs on Saturday and they each posted impressive victories.

Sand Shooter stepped to an easy win in 1:54.2 for trainer Jim Arledge and owners Bill Sanders and Jerry Silva. The son of Western Hanover was under a snug hold by driver Sam “Chip” Noble during the evenly-rated mile.

Last year Sand Shooter earned $329,645 and won his Breeders Crown elimination in 1:51.2 in mid-November. He went off the favorite in the final and led most of the way, but was nosed out at the wire by Santanna Blue Chip.

Another Arledge pupil, Upfront Hannahsboy, paced a final half-mile in 55.3 to score in 1:55 in his qualifier. The son of Dragon Again is owned by Ed Mullinax and edged Real Town Guy at the wire. Last year Upfront Hannahsboy earned $91,908 and got his mark of 1:53f at The Meadows.

It was the first qualifier of the season for both Sand Shooter and Upfront Hannahsboy.

A third North America Cup eligible was impressive Saturday in winning his second qualifier of the season. Warning Zone sat in the pocket for the first half-mile, then rocketed away to win in 1:56.2, his final half right around 56 seconds. The gelding is a son of Jate Lobell.

Bob Harper drove for trainer Virgil Morgan and owner Joseph V. Muscara.

Scioto Downs opens its 50th Anniversary season on May 9.