Columbus, OH — Two-year-old pacing fillies will begin their quest for an Ohio Sires Stakes championship with first-leg action Friday (July 15) at Eldorado Scioto Downs. A total of 27 fillies will compete in three divisions, each with a purse of $40,000.

In the first division, More The Merrier is the 8-5 favorite. Bucky Troute trains the Western Vintage filly, who is looking for her second win of the year, for September L Six. The second choice is Frank Chick’s Lofty Treasure, who finished third in the Next Generation. Tony Hall will drive for trainer Cory Mumford. Also looking for her second win of the year is Honey Buzz. The Steve Carter trainee won her first career start, at the Pickaway County Fair, in Circleville, Ohio. Tyler Smith will drive the daughter of Downbytheseaside for the Randy T Young Stables.

In the second division, Next Generation winner My Red Sea will look to make it two in a row for trainer-driver Kayne Kauffman. The daughter of Downbytheseaside is owned by Redline Racing Stables, Redracer LLC and David Van Dusen. Boyzcalmecarlwayne is the second choice at 9-2. Dan Noble will drive the daughter of Fear The Dragon, who won in her second start, for owner-trainer Brian Haynes. Kassagi will also be looking for her second win of the year. Scott Cisco will drive the Domethatagain filly for trainer Dan O’Mara and owner Marjorie Polhamus.

In the final division, Aaron Merriman will handle Onederfulbeach, the favorite at 5-2, for owner-trainer Chris Beaver. The daughter of Beachtrea won her only start this year. Cruise Alert and Lioness By The Sea are the co-second choices.

Brett Miller will drive Cruise Alert, a daughter of Yankee Cruiser who is owned by Our Three Sons Stable and the Nisonger Stable and trained by Jeff Nisonger. Lioness By The Sea finished third in her only start of the year for trainer Cory Mumford. Tony Hall will drive the Downbytheseaside filly for owner Frank Chick.

First race post time at Eldorado Scioto Downs is 3:15 p.m.