by Jeff Zidek, information specialist, Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission

Stoneboro, PA — The Great Stoneboro Fair in Mercer County, Pennsylvania hosted 16 stakes events for sophomores on their annual Labor Day card.

Bliss Falcon (Blissfull Hall), out of the Roger Hammer stable, started the day with a wire-to-wire win in 2:03.1 in a PA Sire Stake 3-year-old filly pace. In the second of four divisions, Do Me First was powerful, leading at every pole en route to a 1:59.4 performance. Owned by Engle Equine and Allen Tomlinson, the Allamerican Ingot filly is trained and was driven by Steve Schoeffel. In the third division, Fluffy Slippers led every step for driver Jordon Miller, scoring in 2:03. Vincent and Scott Aiello own the Village Jolt filly, while Brian Indof recorded his first career training victory. The final division showcased Kalua Killeen, as the Allamerican Ingot filly recorded her third straight win, unchallenged in a 2:03 performance. Eddie McNeight drove for owner/trainer Chris Oluvic.

Two divisions of the 3-year-old filly trot were next, and Caviar And Kisses scored for owner/trainer Boots Dunn and driver Hammer in 2:06.2. Caviar And Kisses, a nine-time winner on the season, is a daughter of SJ’s Caviar. The second $5,827 division went to Rosey Chick, driven by Chris Shaw for trainer Lisa Beinhauer. Another SJ’s Caviar filly, Rosey Chick is owned by Jack and Sharon Claypoole.

Ryan Zidek photo

Straight Character’s 1:58.4 clocking was the fastest mile of the meet.

Colt pacers were up next, and Stately’s Revenge was a come-from-behind winner in the opening division. Owned by Bob and Barb Krenitsky, Stately’s Revenge was driven by David Brickell to a 2:03 win. SJ’s Blissful Guy, owned by S&J Racing LLC, won the second division in 2:01.1 for driver Chris Shaw. Terry Altmeyer trains the Blissfull Hall gelding. The final division produced the meet’s fastest race, as Straight Character (Shady Character) paced the mile in 1:58.4. Bob Krenitsky, Jr. owns and trains, while Brickell drove the colt to his 12th victory in 24 season’s starts.

In colt trotting PASS action, Mr McRail (Donerail) was a 2:04 winner for the Claypooles and trainer Sherry Libengood. For driver Shaw, it was his third winning drive of the day. The second division resulted in Polar Rail’s first win of the season for owner Bob Key and trainer Rich Gillock. A Donerail colt, Polar Rail was driven to a 2:05.1 win by Wilbur Yoder. The final sire stake of the day went to Rock This Hall, giving driver Chas Norris his first career victory in the bike. Rock This Hall, by SJ’s Photo, is owned by trainer Rick Beinhauer in partnership with Todd Schadel. The winning time was 2:04.

Two divisions of the Quaker Pace were next, and Quickpop brought Chris Shaw to the winner’s circle for the fourth time on the afternoon. For Quickpop (Poplar Laag), it was his sixth win in 11 starts on the season, this one in a lifetime best 2:00.3. Chris Shaw also owns, while his brother, Jason, trains. Whiting Hanover (Dragon Again) won for the fifth time in his last six starts in the second division, pacing in 2:03.3 for trainer/driver Steve Schoeffel. Virginia and Kathy Schoeffel own the gelding.

In Quaker trotting action, Bam Ba Lam won on his home track for trainer/driver Fred Uber in 2:05.3. Jodi Martin owns the SJ’s Photo gelding, as he lowered his lifetime mark to 2:05.3. The second division was won by Zoom A Rail (Donerail), who covered the mile in a life best 2:05.1 for owner/trainer Elbert Kohler. Chris Shaw ended the day with his fifth winning drive.

The circuit turns right around for a two-day meet at the Port Royal Speedway in Juniata County beginning Tuesday night at 7 p.m. For video highlights, visit www.pafairharness.com.