Berlin, MD --- With the Maryland Sire Stakes still suffering from a horse shortage due to the instability in our industry a few years ago, the July series of 2-year-old finals were conducted as early non-wagering events on Sunday evening (July 26) at Ocean Downs.

The explosion of 75 yearlings nominated to the Sire Stakes in 2015 and well over that number in the near future should put Maryland back on track.

Star Rose (You Betcha–Ragland Road), leased and trained by Syl King Jr., crossed the wire in 2:11.2 for driver Ray Robinson Jr. in the filly trot division. She repeated her preliminary win when Rock The Game (Cam’s Rocket–Game Speed) appeared to have a problem and was never in contention. Star Rose was bred by Meadow Creed Stables LLC.

The colt trot went to Sweeten Me Up (CR Renegade-Miadora), owned, trained and driven by Neal Damron, in 2:10.2 over last week’s prelim winner Speed It (Cam’s Rocket-Hypercast). Neal Damron was also the breeder of Sweeten Me Up.

What I Say Goes (Cam’s Rocket-Look Sunder) took the colt and gelding pace in 2:03.1 for reinsman Jonathan Roberts. Happy Hayward (Allie’s Western-Flannel Yankee) was up for place while Toms Tae Kwon Do (Cam’s Rocket-Radiant Breeze) finished third.

From the limited first crop of Dontloseyourdayjob his daughter out of Sand Calady lived up to her name in the filly pace, as Fastestgirlaround repeated her preliminary win by stopping the clock in 2:02 over a fast closing Mo Power (Capitol Power-Mystery Shadow). Frank Milby was in the bike for owners Brian Callahan and Gloria Kinnamon. Gloria Kinnamon was also the breeder. Little Bit Wild (Cam’s Rocket-Shaaga) was third.

The 3-year-old Maryland Sire Stakes finals for the first series will be held on Sunday (Aug. 2).