Berlin, MD – It was a night of high-powered performances and thrilling stretch drives as Ocean Downs hosted the Maryland Standardbred Race Fund’s spotlight for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers and trotters on Monday evening. Fans were treated to a showcase of emerging stars who left little doubt about their talent, speed, and grit.
In the opening $29,600 event for pacers, Best Chip (Heston Blue Chip-Place Your Best) delivered a dazzling wire-to-wire victory in 1:53 for driver Mark Herschberger and trainer Vincent Stallworth. Controlling the pace from the outset, Best Chip never looked back, drawing away to a 9-1/2 length romp over Don’t Say Maybe (Frank Milby) and Jojoslightning (Trae Porter). Owned by Bruce Stallworth, Matthew Bassett, and Steve Schefkind of New Jersey and bred by Winbak Farm, Best Chip reaffirmed his status as one of the division’s standouts.
It was a photo finish in the $29,850 second pacing division as Snack Attack (Stay Hungry-Bridge To Tomorrow) dug in gamely to hold off a surging Primo Maschio (Trae Porter) by the narrowest of margins in 1:54.1. Driver Corey Callahan and trainer Joe Bongiorno orchestrated the winning trip for owners Philip Steinberg, Joe Sbrocco, and JAF Racing LLC. Charge Me Up (Anthony Morgan) rounded out the top three. Bred by Winbak Farm, Snack Attack’s victory proved that speed and courage are a winning combination.
In the lone $49,250 trotting division, Yall Keep Dreaming (Yall Beneath Me-Upside Blue Chip) extended his winning ways to six in a row with another authoritative score in 1:56.4. Guided confidently by Johnathan Ahle for trainer-owner-breeder Richard Hans of Maryland, the heavy favorite grabbed the lead early and coasted home, fending off Roan Ridge (Russell Foster) by 2-1/4 lengths. Private Sector (William Carter) completed the trifecta. With an unshakable stride and professional demeanor, Yall Keep Dreaming continues to live up to his name.
Next week the 2-year-olds are in the spotlight, competing in leg one of the Maryland Sire Stakes on Monday, Aug. 11, and Wednesday, Aug. 13.