by Bill Peters

Van Wert, OH — A nine-race card tipped off the Van Wert County Fair at Van Wert, Ohio on Thursday evening (Sept. 2).

Greg Bateson guided Cruznwithdabigdog (Yankee Cruiser-Senorita) to victory in the lone division of the 2-year-old colt pace. John Schuberg is the gelding’s owner-trainer. Cruznwithdabigdog toured the Van Wert oval in 2:02.2.

The combination of driver Greg Bateson and trainer John Schuberg also captured the fastest split of the 3-year-old colt trot with Jailhouse Andy (Jailhouse Jesse-Angela Lobell) in 2:04.3. 15K Stable, Inc. pays the bills on Jailhouse Andy. Stretch Limo (Ilooklikemymom-Mink Deville) took the other division in 2:07.4 for owner-trainer-driver Jerry Lighthill.

Trainer-driver Duke Sugg steered Hi Hopes Cruiser (Yankee Cruiser-Odds On Elaine) to the winner’s circle in the only division of the 3-year-old colt pace. The gelding’s owners are Ivan Sugg and Robert and Randy Hutchison. Hi Hopes Cruiser’s winning time was 2:00.

Racing resumes at the Van Wert County Fair on Friday night with another nine-race program. Post time for the first race is 7 p.m.