Berlin, MD – The Maryland Sire Stakes $25,300 4 and 5-year-old Open Trot went to post as an early non-wagering event on Wednesday (Aug. 23rd) at Ocean Downs.

When the gate sprung Hoofbeats De Vie challenged Funnyfunnyriddle for the lead with the lone filly Open Till Midnight (Four Starz Robro) settling in third. Reinsman Johnathan Ahle waited until the head of the stretch, sending Open Till Midnight charging down the passing lane to nip Hoofbeats by a head in the 1:57.4 mile. Tui O’Connell owns, trains and bred the winner.

Maryland Sire Stakes action continues Monday (Aug. 28) and Wednesday (Aug. 30) with freshman preliminaries