Maryland Sire Stakes for two-year-old fillies kicks off

Berlin, MD — The 2025 Maryland Sire Stakes for two-year-old fillies kicked off Wednesday evening (Aug. 13) at Ocean Downs with three $10,000 first-leg divisions, showcasing Maryland’s newest pacing and trotting stars.

In the two-year-old filly trot, And Just Like That (Betting Gangster S–Gooreatness) lived up to her name, delivering a decisive harness racing victory for driver Johnathan Ahle and trainer/breeder Richard Hans.

After sitting fifth through the opening quarter in :31.1, the filly advanced methodically, taking command by the three-quarter mark in 1:34.3. She powered home in :30.2 to win by two lengths in 2:05.0.

Progressivekathy (Anthony Morgan) closed for second, with Casino Star (Roger Plante Jr.) finishing third.

The first pacing split saw Miss Val’s Way (More The Better N–Miss Valerie) rally late to capture a thrilling victory for driver Jonathan Roberts and trainer Steve LeBlanc. The filly bred by Fox Den Farm sat third through a 59:2 opening half before rallying first-over to engaged leader More Than Better at the three quarter pole. With a :30.1 final quarter, she got up in the final strides to win by a head in 1:59.2. Miss 

That’sloveto (Corey Callahan) charged late for second, with pacesetter More Than Better settling for third.

In the evening’s finale, I Say That Too (Rusty’s For Real–Who Says That) delivered a first-over victory for owner/driver Corey Braden and trainer Stacey McLenaghan.

Tracking from third early, she surged to the lead at the top of the stretch and pulled clear by 1¼ lengths in 2:03.0, finishing with a :29.0 final quarter.

Pamfin (Trae Porter) finished second, and I’m Feeling Spicy (Eric Davis) was third.

The Maryland Sire Stakes take a week off with second leg action commencing on August 25 and August 27 as the freshmen chase valuable series points ahead of the $95,000 finals Wednesday, September 3.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

From Ocean Downs