Berlin, MD – The Future Hope and Go Get Lost series for 2-year-olds at Ocean Downs were created by director of racing Peter Szymanski and racing secretary Craig Andow to be prep races for the Maryland Standardbred Fund and Sire Stakes with the hopes of having a division or two. On Thursday (July 7), five 2-year-old races went to post at the Ocean: One trot and four paces.

The only division of the Go Get Lost Series for trotters started the night off with a mixed field of colts/geldings and fillies. Miss Norissa (Gregory Pecks) led to the quarter in :30.2 where K J Roberts (Lockkeeper) took the lead only to relinquish it back to Miss Norissa who stopped clock in 2:03. K J Todd (Trixton), trotting a last quarter in :30, came from seventh at the half to take the place spot. Joseph Carroll drives and trains the winner for owner Cary Grady and breeder Gideon Brenneman.

The first division of the Future Hope for Pacers sent the fillies out in race 2. Countess Mara (Lis Mara) took control until the quarter pole where Alllrighty Then (Stay Hungry) started her challenge, catching the leader in the final strides. Russell Foster picked up the driving assignment behind Alllrighty Then from owner-trainer John Wagner. Princeton Farms is the breeder. The time for the mile was 2:03.

Val’s Gal (Rusty’s For Real) showed a strong mile in her wire-to-wire victory, holding off Reachin For Heaven (Lazarus N) in the 2:01.3 mile in the second division for filly pacers. Val’s Gal is owned by Leblanc Racing, William Lutz Jr. and Count De Money Stable. Roger Plante Jr. was between the wheels for trainer Steve LeBlanc. The breeders are Tom and Linda Winebrener.

In the third split for the fillies, Corey Callahan sent She Is Risen (Roddy’s Bags Again) gate to wire with Arrhyththmic Dream (He’s Watching) crossing second in the 2:01.3 mile. Shaun Callahan trains for his mother’s Breakaway Racing Stable, with brother Aaron Callahan the breeder.

The fourth division of the Future Hope Series was for the colts and geldings. Antaeus (Heston Blue Chip) scored his second win in 1:58.3 for driver-trainer-owner Chuck Perry Jr. Best Bet Stables LLC is the breeder. Night Terror (Badlands Hanover) was second.

As an added incentive in this series all participants receive purse money. The second leg will be contested on Thursday (July 14) with the finals on Thursday (July 21).