by Darrell Wood, for Shenandoah Downs

Woodstock, VA — Shenandoah Downs ushers in its second season of pari-mutuel harness racing this weekend in Woodstock with a 15-race Virginia Breeders program on Saturday (Sept. 16) and a nine-race card on Sunday (Sept. 17). Post time both days is 1 p.m.

Four $40,000 divisions of Virginia Breeders championship races for 2-year-olds highlight opening day festivities.

The colt/gelding pace features a pair of prep race winners — Jimmy Viars’ Lemonaideshine and Mark Gray’s Rocknroll Ace. Both won on the final day of racing at the Shenandoah County Fair on Sept. 2 and both wired the field — the former in 1:59.2 and the latter in 2:03.2. Six other freshmen will compete against the duo including E-Z Pass B, who finished second to Lemonaideshine in 1:59.4.

Four 2-year-old filly pacers will battle for divisional honors including a pair that authored a thrilling finish in their prep. Amanda Jackson’s Hillbilly Heartache edged Mark Gray’s Cold N Chilly by neck in 2:04 after an exciting stretch duel. Both Frank Milby and Mark Gray will be in the sulky, respectively, again.

Freddie K, who had a dominant career debut in the colt and gelding trot prep, will face four other freshmen in the final. The Dusty Winner gelding wired the field in 2:07 and crossed the finish line eight lengths in front. He is owned and trained by Roland Dunavant Jr. and will be driven by Frank Milby.

The final Breeders event is the filly trot where seven will go postward. Elwood Tignor’s Lorriella handily captured the prep race by six lengths in 2:07. The daughter of Four Starz Robro will be driven by Jason Green on Saturday.

John’s Dream, 2016 Virginia Breeders 3-year-old colt/gelding pacing champ, will return to Shenandoah Downs Saturday for the first time since that 1:52.1 track record mile performance. The Dream Away gelding has only raced 10 times this year and on Aug. 13, scored an impressive 1:51.4 triumph at The Red Mile. Eric Foster’s Baby Kitty, fresh off a 1:50.4 win at Pocono, is the early favorite though at 7-5.

The first 12 races Saturday will offer wagering; the final three on the 15-race card are non-bettors.

The harness season continues every Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 15. Parking and admission are free. Saturday features a “Hops ‘n Hooves” craft beer event where an upgraded ticket purchase includes a commemorative glass, beer sampling, a bowl of chili, race program and a $2 wager.

For the first time, the races will be streamed live at www.shenandoahdowns.com and www.virginiahorseracing.com. Fans in the Richmond area can wager on the Shenandoah action at the two area Off Track Betting Centers — Ponies & Pints and Breakers Sports Grille.