Berlin, MD – The future stars of Maryland harness racing competed Monday night (Aug. 11) at Ocean Downs as the first leg of the Maryland Sire Stakes for 2-year-old colt and gelding trotters and pacers got underway. With three divisions on tap — one trot and two pace — the evening showcased dominant front-end performances, breakout speed, and a dash of drama.
In the opening stakes event, trotting colt Y’all Got No Shot (Yall Beneath Me-Ginger Hanover) delivered a powerhouse performance for driver Russell Foster and trainer/owner/breeder Richard Hans. Seizing control early, the heavy favorite opened up at will, leading by 10 lengths at the three-quarter pole before extending to a 12-3/4 length victory in 2:00. Stablemate Booger Bear (Johnathan Ahle) rallied into second, while Convicted Criminal (Les Givens) rounded out the top three.
The first pacing division saw Better Gon (More The Better N-Graygon) and driver Corey Braden command the race from start to finish for trainer Adrian Wisher Jr. and owner Frederick Weitz Jr. The gelding cut comfortable early fractions before sprinting home in :28.3 to stop the clock in 2:00.1, finishing 6½ lengths clear of late-closing Fast Willie (Johnathan Ahle). Beach Buggy (Russell Foster) took the show spot. Better Gon’s effort marked a strong debut in the series.
The night’s final stakes event brought a bit of drama when heavy favorite Michelle’s Kyle attempted a power move to the front just past the quarter-mile marker. As he cleared B Real, that rival veered out unexpectedly, causing interference and completely altering the complexion of the race. This allowed Inca Social (Nuclear Breeze-Tom’s Twinkle) and driver/trainer Roger Plante Jr. to inherit command and control the fractions with ease. From there, the gelding dominated the tempo before sprinting home authoritatively in :29.2 to win by 1-1/4 lengths in 2:03.4. He is owned by Howard Birney and was bred by Thomas Cooke. Better B In (Anthony Morgan) finished second, with Coach Cooley (Justin Vincent) rounding out the top three.
The Maryland Sire Stakes program continues in the coming weeks, as these promising freshmen look to build momentum and earn a spot in the rich finals on Sept. 3 at Ocean Downs.