Domovoy picked up his second win in the Buckeye Stallion Series as he rolled to a wire-to-wire victory on Monday (July 3) at MGM Northfield Park. All four of the $20,000 divisions for three-year-old colt trotters produced wire-to-wire winners.
Aaron Merriman raced Domovoy, a winner in the second leg, to the lead and fought off pressure throughout the race to win by two lengths in 1:54.3. The son of Triumphant Caviar has won three of nine starts this year and $40,350 for trainer Chris Beaver, co-owner with Sandra Burnett. Republic Return was second with Stumpy third.
Merriman picked up his second win in the Stallion Series as he drove Muscle On to victory in the third division. Merriman took the son of What The Hill to the lead and fought off a challenge from Mr Roofer around the final turn to win by two lengths in 1:56.2. It was the third win in 10 starts for the Jeff Conger trainee. Muscle On has earned $24,185 for owners Karen Fread, James Mims Jr. and Jan Fread. Mr Roofer finished second with Asian Zing third.
In the first division, Freeborn with Kurt Sugg raced to the lead and never looked back, winning in 1:55.3. The son of What The Hill covered the mile in fractions of :28.2, :58.1 and 1:26.1 on his way to the two-length win. Miles Wollam trains Freeborn for the owner Bob Troyer. The win was the second of the year in five starts for Freeborn, who has earned $29,500 this year. Johnnyreds Victory was second with Tom’s Challenger third.
In the final division, Anthony MacDonald drove What A Mission to victory in 1:56.4 for trainer Jason McGinnis. What A Mission has hit the board in eight of nine starts this year, winning three. The son of What The Hill is owned by Thestable What A Mission and raised his seasonal earnings to $32,210. Romeos Dream finished second while Sunrise Hill was third.
The first leg of the Buckeye Stallion Series for two-year-olds will begin Wednesday, July 5 at MGM Northfield Park when freshman colt pacers take to the track. First race post time is 6 p.m.
(With files from Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association)