The fourth leg of the Ohio Sires Stakes wrapped up Saturday (Aug. 19) at Eldorado Scioto Downs with two $55,000 divisions of two-year-old colt trotters. Aaron Merriman drove both winners as he piloted Royal Precedent and Spaaaanzano to victory.
In the first division, Merriman took Royal Precedent to the lead heading the half-mile pole. Royal Precedent held the top spot until the final turn when You Dont Fool Me took the lead. As the two turned for home, Royal Precedent retook the lead and held on to win by a half-length in 1:56.2. The son of Creatine has won five of six starts for trainer Sam Schillaci, with three of the wins coming in Ohio Sires Stakes action. Owned by Claude Gendreau Stable, Royal Precedent has earned $116,500 this year. Dont Fool Me was second with Deville Hill third.
In the second division, Spaaaanzano and Merriman (pictured above) grabbed the lead heading to the first quarter and made it look easy winning by 4-3/4 lengths in 1:56.2. Trained by Chris Beaver, the Coraggioso gelding has won all five starts this year, three of them in Sires Stakes action. Beaver co-owns Spaaaanzano with Spaaaartners, Bill Manes and Leo Fleming. Spaaaanzano has earned $178,250 this year. Rose Run Zoom finished second with Tennessee Tom third.
Ohio Sires Stakes action resumes with the fifth leg for two-year-old filly trotters on Thursday, Aug. 24 at Eldorado Scioto Downs.
(With files from Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association)