by Jerry Connors, for the PA Harness Racing Commission

Dayton, PA — On a Saturday afternoon at the Dayton (PA) fairgrounds that featured Pennsylvania Sire Stakes for 2-year-olds, 2013 circuit leader Steve Schoeffel saw his UDR “drop” to .669 and his UTR “plummet” to .660 – but he still managed to guide all four winners of the 2CP back to Victory Lane.

Fastest of the four was Ha Ha, who won in a laugher in 2:03.3 in his career debut while notching one of three credits for the day’s top sire, Yankee Cruiser. The gelding was victorious for owners Ron Steck, Miller’s Stable Inc, and Tyler George, and also completed a Schoeffel/trainer Mike Gillock double in the division, the pair having won earlier with Wellsaidanddone, a Well Said gelding home first in 2:04.3 for owner Harry Locke.

Fastest last quarter of the group’s winners was turned in by another Yankee Cruiser gelding, Bosh Hanover, who tacked a 29.4 kicker on the end of a 2:04.4 triumph. Schoeffel also conditions the winner for mother Virginia and wife Kathy, co-owners with Harvey Jack.

Much of the same team (trainer/driver Schoeffel and owners Schoeffel and Schoeffel) were in the winners circle after the Dragon Again gelding Heat Of A Dragon showed the heart of a lion by edging Ace Rules in a stretch-long battle that the Dragon took by a nose in 2:04.2. The ladies Schoeffel co-own this baby with Jerry Dedoszak and Michael Munn.

On the trotting side of the colt action, many looked forward to the contest between two youngsters unbeaten in two outings, Whitey Lauxmont and Fly Past Hanover. The race possibly was decided at the pill shake, with Whitey Lauxmont getting the 3 and Fly Past Hanover the 5, as the latter sat second the entire way but could not catch “Whitey,” who barreled home in 1:01.3-30.1 to trip the timer in 2:07.3. The Oh So White gelding was one of three driving wins for Dave Brickell, and one of his two victorious trainees.

Joining Whitey Lauxmont in the 3-3 category at the PA fairs was the Quik Pulse Mindale filly Hopeful Trust, who denied Schoeffel a five-timer while catching his pacer, Bella’s Quik, late for a length tally in 2:05.3. Driver Christopher, trainer/brother Jason, and owner/Jason’s son, 1-year-old Mason comprise Team Shaw.

Roger Hammer, unusually quiet so far this year at the fairs, posted a driving double, including guiding another Yankee Cruiser offspring, Katiewhatanecktie, to the fastest 2PF win, 2:05.2 (1:00.2-30), for trainer Al Manke III and owner Marty Wollam.

FINISHING LINES – For the day, Schoeffel was 9-4-2-1 in the sulky and 5-2-1-1 from his barn – and did indeed lower his fair circuit percentages in both categories (but don’t worry: he’s at 52% in driving wins and 50% in training wins) … 3YO action will be featured at Dayton Sunday, with first call to post approaching 1 p.m. Pacing colt Jungle Of Terror will attempt to become the first four-time winner on the PA fair trail this year.