Columbus, OH — Spaaaanzano and Midwind Beach Boy were the victorious 2-year-old colts in their respective Next Generation events, held Saturday (July 1) at Eldorado Scioto Downs.

Spaaaanzano takes Next Generation Colt Trot

Spaaaanzano took the $150,000 Next Generation for 2-year-old trotting colts at Eldorado Scioto Downs on Saturday (July 1) with Aaron Merriman on board in 1:56.2, a new stakes record.

Spaaaanzano took the $150,000 Next Generation for 2-year-old trotting colts in 1:56.2, a new stakes record. Conrad photo.

The front end held up once again as Spaaaanzano sprung off the gate from the seven hole and made the early lead to the :28.3 opening quarter. Going to the :58.2 half, Merriman let the 9-5 favorite Tennessee Tom (Chris Page) take the lead. After the 1:27.4 third quarter, Merriman pulled Spaaaanzano off the turn and dueled with Tennessee Tom, finishing a head in front. Deville Hill (Dan Noble) came from the back of the pack to finish third.

Chris Beaver co-owns and trains Spaaaanzano for fellow co-owners Spaaaartners, Bill Manes and Leo Fleming. The winner paid $6.40.

“This horse is really really professional,” said Merriman. “I actually would rather have the outside with a young trotter than the one or two hole on a five-eighths-mile track, especially the first couple of starts.

“I was high on my horse to be honest with you, he’s done everything right so far and he showed it today.”

The Coraggioso gelding, bred by Timothy Stutzman, is the third foal out of the SJ’s Caviar mare Grace N Charlie and a full brother to $189,044 earner Panzano, who was also trained by Beaver during his Ohio campaign.

Midwind Beach Boy takes Colt Pace Next Generation

Midwind Beach Boy was the only winner of the $150,000 Next Generation for 2-year-olds that came from off the pace when he won the pacing colt division in 1:52.4.

Midwind Beach Boy won the pacing colt division in 1:52.4. Conrad photo.

Clever Cody (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) made the early lead, but at the :27 opening quarter Hundred Dollar Man (Montrell Teague) popped the pocket and took over going by the grandstand for the first time. The field went past the half-mile pole in :56.4 and about midway down the backside Nick Clegg pulled Janelle Granny to challenge the leaders.

By the 1:25 third quarter, Janelle Granny pulled up alongside Hundred Dollar Man. Rolling up from the back was Midwind Beach Boy and Chris Page, going three-wide around the last turn.

In another close finish, it was Midwind Beach Boy winning by a half-length for trainer Ron Burke. Janelle Granny was second with Hundred Dollar Man finishing third and Clever Cody fourth. Midwind Beach Boy paid $13.00 to win.

“Act Fast (2022 winner for Page/Burke) and Midwind are polar opposites,” said Page. “Act Fast is a big good-looking horse and Midwind’s just a little small horse. He travels nice…we just gotta keep his head screwed on straight, he’s still racing in an ear hood, a little bit warm, but he’s got a high turn of speed.”

Midwind Beach Boy is by Downbytheseaside and sold at the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale for $25,000. Bred by Midwind Farms the colt is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Knox Services, J&T Silva-Purnel & Libby and RAS Racing. He is the first living foal out of American Major by American Ideal.

Racing is held at Scioto Downs each Tuesday and Wednesday with a 3:15 p.m. first post and Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays with a 5:50 p.m. first post through Saturday (Sept. 16). Follow @SciotoRacing on Twitter for all the details of the 2023 racing season at Eldorado Scioto Downs.

More information about the entire Scioto Downs racing season, including race schedule, wagering menu, VIP room reservations and more can be found at www.SciotoDowns.com.