Freshman trotters are set to wage war in five Ohio Sires Stakes divisions on Friday night (Aug. 21) at Scioto Downs. First race post time is 6:30 p.m.
The trio of $40,000 races for two-year-old trotting fillies includes OSS divisional leader Herculisa, who captured all three previous OHSS legs in 1:58.1, 1:56.2 and 1:56.1 for the Jesmeral Stable and trainer Virgil Morgan Jr. The My MVP filly, undefeated through four starts with earnings of $61,812, leaves from post four in race two with Brett Miller at the lines. Her main competition is A Doll Face (post seven), who races for trainer-driver Kayne Kauffman.
Merry Ann leaves from post five in race 11 for driver Chris Page and trainer Ron Burke. Merry Ann, who is second in the OHSS standings, captured two OHSS legs for owners Burke Racing, Knox Services and Weaver Bruscemi. The homebred has $75,200 in earnings from three wins and two second-place finishes in five starts. My Jazz (Anthony MacDonald) and More Spirit (Dan Noble) are among those to square off against The daughter of My MVP.
Swizzle Hanover, who is third in the standings, starts from post five in race one for driver Mike Wilder and trainer-owner Randy Bendis and co-owner Reed Broadway. The daughter of Uncle Peter has career earnings of $51,575 from two wins in four tries. She will square off against Celebrate With Me (post six), whom Kurt Sugg will drive for trainer Marty Wollam and co-owner Toni Dean. The Full Count filly, who was bred by Marvin Raber, sports a bankroll of $58,622 from two wins in five starts.
In the first of two $50,000 OHSS divisions for trotting colts and geldings (race six), Fire Cross, who is currently second in his divisional standings, will begin from post six for driver Chris Lems and trainer Ryan Miller. This gelded son of Triumphant Caviar will take on the likes of Panzano (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.), Winning Ticket (Aaron Merriman) and Shouldaknownbetter (Brett Miller).
Street Gossip, who is third in the standings, headlines the second division (race 10). The Cash Hall gelding has posted two wins in five starts with $44,714 in earnings for trainer Virgil Morgan Jr. and owners Carl Howard and the Jesmeral Stable. Brett Miller will be at the controls.
(with files form the Ohio Sires Stakes)