The $150,000 Next Generation at Eldorado Scioto Downs has quickly become one of Ohio’s most prestigious events for two-year-olds. In just its third year of existence, the stake has expanded its presence in the industry to benefit the Standardbred Transition Alliance (June 16).

Historically, nominators are required to purchase a $10,000 spot by March 15. Trainers, owners, and stables are limited to one entry per division. This year, a new opportunity to enter last minute standout freshmen into the Next Generation will go live next week.

On Monday (June 20) at 3 p.m., a total of five spots in the Next Generation will go to auction on Preferred Equine Online. One spot will be available for a colt trotter, filly trotter, and colt pacer while two entries will go to bid for filly pacers.

$10,000 of each division’s final auction price will go to its purse. Any amount raised beyond $10,000 will be donated to the Standardbred Transition Alliance (STA).

The STA is a nonprofit whose mission is to accredit, inspect, and award grants to approved organizations that rehabilitate, train, and re-home Standardbreds.

Jennifer Daniels, Administrator of the STA, is elated for the opportunity.

"Every dollar will go directly to the Standardbred Transition Alliance's grant programs and benefit our horses, which is the STA’s stated mission,” said Daniels.  "The Standardbred Transition Alliance applauds and appreciates Eldorado Scioto Downs, the Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association, and Ohio's horsemen for their commitment and consistent support."

Eldorado Scioto Downs would like to further thank Preferred Equine for making this auction possible.

Original nominators in each division are below:

2-Year-Old Colt Trot

1. Black Magic Racing
2. TheStable.ca
3. Lionel Watiker
4. Rosy Weaver
5. Chris Beaver
6. Rhett Roll
7. Mark Weaver
8. To auction

2-Year-Old Filly Trot

1. Rosy Weaver
2. TheStable.ca
3. John Oliverio
4. Lance Baylis
5. Lionel Watiker
6. Mark Weaver
7. Matt Rowe
8. To auction

2-Year-Old Colt Pace

1. Black Magic Racing
2. Polly Watiker
3. Michael Cimaglio
4. Dr. Ian Moore
5. Sugar Valley Farms
6. Hutchison Harness
7. Mark Weaver
8. To auction

2-Year-Old Filly Pace

1. Black Magic Racing
2. MST Racing
3. Lionel Watiker
4. Frank Chick
5. Steve Carter
6. Mark Weaver
7. To auction
8. To auction

All four divisions will go behind the gate on July 4. Horses must be declared when the box closes on Thursday, June 30. Live draws for each division of the Next Generation will be streamed on the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association Facebook later that same day during Thursday’s regularly scheduled race card.

Anyone interested in bidding on a Next Generation spot can call Scioto’s Director of Racing at 614.295.4082.

For more information on the facility and live racing season, visit the Eldorado Scioto Downs website.

(Scioto Downs/Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association)