by Cheri Stambaugh, for the Maryland Standardbred Race Fund

Berlin, MD — The Casino at Ocean Downs hosted the Maryland Standardbred Fund Stakes on Thursday (July 18).

The first division of 3-year-old colt/gelding trotters was one of two early non-betting events. Laettner (Credit Winner) went wire-to-wire, holding off a challenge by Cashmere Briefs at the three-quarter pole. Laettner stopped the clock in 2:03.4, winning by four lengths with a last quarter in :29. John Roach trains for William E. Miller II and driver Frank Milby scored his first win of the night.

Sean Bier settled Glitter Galore (CR Commando) in the pocket behind Kristen Y in the first division of 3-year-old filly trotters. At the three-quarter pole Glitter Galore made her move to score a two length win over Country Romance in 2:02. Salvatore Sciarrino is the owner, while Mark Waterman trains.

Winbak Farm, LeBlanc Racing and Jeffrey Franklin’s 3-year-old trotting filly Starlit Eyes (CR Commando) took command of the second division when the wings folded, maintaining a length lead right to the wire crossing in 2:03.3. Ross Wolfenden guided the filly for trainer Steve LeBlanc.

Art Frenzy (Art Major) didn’t let the outside post stop her in the first division of 3-year-old pacing fillies. Taking a little air in the first quarter, Art Frenzy was never challenged once she took the lead. Pilot Jonathan Roberts drove her to a 1:57.2 clocking for owner-trainer William Popfinger.

In the second division for pacing fillies, reinsman Frank Milby pulled Girlfriend Bash at the half, working his way to the front to score an upset over favorite K J’s Caroline in 1:56.3. Edward Savage owns the Roddy’s Bags Again filly.

Real Impulsive (Real Artist) looked real impressive in the first division of 3-year-old colt/gelding pacers. Tony Morgan guided Real Impulsive to a 1:55.4 clocking for owner/trainer Joe Offutt and his wife Karen.

Frank Milby captured his third stakes win of the night behind 3-year-old colt pacer Firecracker Freddy (Cam’s Rocket) in 1:55.4. Roger Hans owns and trains the winner.

In the final Maryland Standardbred Fund race of the night, Solo Command (CR Commando) lived up to his name, winning the second division for colt/gelding trotters by 9-1/2 lengths. Les Givins trains for Nanticoke Racing and Jim Morand. Morand was also the pilot for the 2:02.3 mile.

Stakes action continues next week with the Maryland Sire Stakes preliminaries.