by Cheri Stambaugh

Berlin. MD — The 2-year-olds were on tap for the final Maryland Standardbred Race Fund stakes at Ocean Downs this summer on Sunday (Sept. 3).

The trotting fillies went as a non-wagering event with a purse of $23,350. Art Stafford Jr. sent Iron Mine Krystal (Four Starz Robro) out of post five right to the front, taking control and widening the gap at every quarter, hitting the wire 5-1/2 lengths in front of Crystals Pistol. Time for the mile was 2:00.4. Greg Haverstick trains for owner-breeder Iron Mine Branch LLC.

The first split for pacing fillies opened the card going for a purse of $13,875. The heavy favorite Michelle’s Jazz (Roll With Joe) took air to the quarter in :28.4 but that did not stop her in the 1:58 mile. Cool Toy was up for place. Frank Millby was in the bike for trainer Joseph Columbo and owners George and Tina Dennis Racing. Winbak Farm is the breeder.

The trotting colts and geldings stepped on the track next going for $23,600. Reinsman Ross Wolfenden took a good look at the program and put Chucky De Vie (Charlie De Vie) in his favorite spot on the engine from post five, leaving Iron Mine Bro and Judge Bob to fight for second and third in the 2:00.1 mile. Chris Ryder trains for owner-breeder Joie De Vie Farm LLC.

The second $13,875 division for pacing fillies had a lot of shuffling of positions with the Erv Miller trainee Act Like A Diva (Roll With Joe) taking command at the three-quarter pole, stopping the timer in 1:57 for pilot Atlee Bender. Petal Power was up for place. Paymaq Racing, Greg Gillis, Andy Willinger and Craig Henderson own the filly. Fred Hertrich III is the breeder.

Russell Foster’s patience in the pocket paid off in the first division for pacing colts and geldings when he slipped up the passing lane with Slick Tony (No Spin Zone) to take the win with only 1-3/4 lengths separating the first four horses in the 1:56.4 clocking. Bo Breeze finished second. George Leager owns, trains and bred the colt. Purse was $13,800.

Race eight sent the second split for the pacing colts and gelding on the track. Driver Jared Moyer put Lloyd’s All In (Rusty’s All In) on the engine for the first time and he was up for the challenge, taking the $13,800 race in 1:57.1. Arlene Cameron trains for owner-breeder Pam Wagner. Own It was up for place.

Ocean Downs started the night with a driver Meet & Greet and finished it off with a fireworks display.

Watch for the 2-year-olds to come back in October and November with Maryland Sire Stakes at Rosecroft.