Hambo runner-up hails from Ohio Selected Jug Yearling Sale

By Chris Tully · 15 September 2026 · 10:10 am

CIRCLEVILLE, OH. – It’s no secret that Ohio bred horses are just as sought after as their east coast counterparts, however, that fact was amplified on Hambo Day at The Meadowlands as Ohio-bred and -sold BIG RANGER was a whisker away from winning the prestigious $1,000,000 Grade 1 Hambletonian. With the Ohio Selected Jug Yearling Sale taking place this Friday (September 18) at the Pickaway Ag Center, in Circleville, Ohio, many astute buyers will be looking for that next great Standardbred racehorse.

**Ohio Selected Jug sale graduate BIG RANGER nearly won the Hambletonian this year. (Chris Tully photo)**

Of course the accomplishments Ohio’s “bred and sold” did not end on Hambo Day, as the lucrative Ohio Scarlet and Gray Super Finals at Scioto were led by Ohio Selected Jug Sale alumnus. In fact, six of the eight $300,000 Scarlet finals were captured by Ohio Select Sale graduates.

Not only does this include the aforementioned Big Ranger who returned to his Ohio roots and easily won his divisional championship at this year’s home of the Breeders Crown, but also consists of many other Buckeye state products who went through the Circleville auction ring.

Blue Ranger, an In Range full-sister to Big Ranger, captured her 2-year-old filly trot championship. And, just like her big brother, she was bred and sold by Spring Haven Farm.

Tsunami Seas, who won his 3-year-old pacing colt final, was an $80,000 yearling purchase from Hickory Lane Farm, Agent for breeders Country Club Acres and L & H Management Services.

Don’ttruckwithme was the pride and joy of the Spurwood Farm consignment last year, selling for $37,000 for breeder Judy Roegner. The son of Catch The Fire and the winner of the 2-year-old colt pace final has earned well over ten times that amount for his new connections.

Mooter Tooter, the fast filly with the fun name, provided a big upset in her 3-year-old filly trot final after being sold for just $28,000 from the Winterwood Consignment, Agent for breeder Wayne Weaver.

Last, but certainly not least, is the freshman trotting colt champion Cool Julio who brought $52,000 for breeder-consignor Double Spring Farm.

As in years past, there are 280 yearlings cataloged, and the auction will get underway at 10 am on Friday (Sept. 18) with a special Show Day on Thursday (Sept. 17). The catalog is jam packed with brothers and sisters to Major Stakes winners and World Champions.

Once again, the sales company and breeders will provide complimentary food and refreshments from 4 pm to 6 pm on Thursday, while prospective purchasers take a closer look at all the well-bred colts and fillies.

Overall, 29 sires are represented at the sale, including (8 or more): Branded By Lindy (9), Catch The Fire (9), Downbytheseaside (29), In Range (18), Long Tom (19), Lou’s Pearlman (25), Monte Miki (38), Pebble Beach (17), Ready For Moni (21), Slay (8), Summa Cum Laude (19), Uncle Peter (10), and Volstead (17).