by Jeff Zidek, information specialist, Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission

Butler, PA — The 3-year-olds took to the track at the Big Butler Fairgrounds on Friday (July 2) for Pennsylvania Sire Stake action on the PA Fair Circuit.

A trio of sophomore trotting races opened the card, with victories earned by Southwind Nitro (SJ’s Caviar), Washington County (Sierra Kosmos) and Mr McRail (Donerail).

Southwind Nitro, owned by Susan Daugherty and trained/driven by Bill Daugherty, went wire-to-wire in 2:05.4 for his fourth win in seven tries this season.

Washington County also scored in wire-to-wire fashion, covering the mile in 2:07.3 for driver Wil Yoder. Trainer John McMullen co-owns with his daughter-in-law, Michelle.

Mr McRail survived an accident-marred race to win in 2:07.3 for owners Jack and Sharon Claypoole, trainer Lisa Beinhauer and driver David Brickell. Just past the half-mile point, Speed Hanover made a break with the lead, and as horses scattered behind the leader, Bet It All and driver Jordon Miller caught a piece of the hubrail, ejecting Miller from the bike. Miller suffered a badly sprained ankle according to preliminary information.

Three groups of sophomore fillies were next, and Caviar’s Dancer (SJ’s Caviar) scored in the opening division in 2:08.3. Owned by Bob and Barbara Krenitsky, Caviar’s Dancer won for the first time in 2010. Brickell drove the winner, who is trained by Bob Krenitsky.

In the second split, Cantab Lady (Cantab Hall) won in 2:08.1 for catch-driver Bobby Rougeaux. The Dunn Stable owns Cantab Lady, who picked up her first win of the year in her eighth start. Boots Dunn is the winning trainer.

In the final division, Sturgeon remained undefeated in two fair starts, winning in 2:11.3 for driver Kyle Bolon. Sally Bolon and Marcie Hordies own the SJ’s Caviar filly, while Rod Bolon does the training.

Ryan Zidek photo

Straight Character won in 2:01.4 for driver David Brickell.

In the first colt pacing division, Cories Artist, a gelding by Real Artist, was a 2:05.3 winner for driver Rod Bolon. Vicki Fair owns the first-time winner in 2010, who set a new lifetime mark in the effort. Roger Hammer earned the training victory.

Brickell picked up his third driving victory of the day behind Straight Character, a Shady Character colt. Owned and trained by Bob Krenitsky, Jr., Straight Character won in 2:01.4.

In the final colt pacing split, DVC Gifted Indeed was an easy winner, cruising to a wire-to-wire score in 2:01.1 for driver JR Brewer. James Brewer owns the Place To Be gelding, who is trained by Jamie Brewer.

Four groups of sophomore pacing fillies ended the day, with NF Native Lady (Allamerican Native) winning the first division in 2:05. George Heit trains and reined the winner for owners the Brush & Briar Stable and the Rusty Fence Stable.

Another Nandi Farm-bred horse, NF Tango, won the second division in 2:08. Owned and trained by Jason Shaw, NF Tango (Village Jolt) was driven to victory by Chris Shaw.

In the third division, Chris Shaw picked up back-to-back wins, guiding SJ’s Blissful Lady (Blissfull Hall) to a 2:05.1 win. S&J Racing owns the filly, who is now 3-for-15 on the season. Terry Altmeyer is the winning trainer.

The day concluded with a win by Budgirls Hanover (No Pan Intended) and driver Brad Provost in the final filly division. Owned by Randy Ringer, Budgirls Hanover is trained by Ray Simms. The winning time was 2:04.2.

Quaker Stakes are slated for Saturday morning at Butler, post time will be 11 a.m.

For video highlights from the PA Fair Circuit, visit www.youtube.com/phrc08.