Foster, Crissman beer in double pack in Ocean Series – US Trotting News

Berlin, MD — Rider Russell Foster and trainer Crissy Crissman-Bier combined to win two of the four first-round divisions of the $7,500 Diane “Mum” Stevenson Memorial Series for Pacer with a purse of $7,500 at Ocean Downs on Thursday (July 11).

Foster took a 1:55.4 victory with the Crissman-Bier-trained Southwind Dredge in Division Two for PT Stable, but the pair had an eventful route to the finish. The 7-year-old gelding Bettor’s Delight continued his initial surge down the backstretch but was triple-headed when leader Point Place drifted off the posts after three-quarters in 1:25.3. Southwind Dredge was led by rival Bit Of Luck, who inherited the inside lane, and turned toward the finish line but battled back to win by a head and pocket $11.40.

Hundie N’s 1:57.1 victory in the fourth division was far less eventful, capping a series one-two for his trainer and driver. Starting as a heavy 1:9 favorite, the 10-year-old gelding by Bettor’s Delight glided unopposed through splits of :28.1, :58.4 and 1:28.2 before pulling out a late :28.4 to pull 2 ​​1/4 lengths clear of owner Wade Wyatt’s Norm At Work. Hundie N paid $2.20 for the win.

Also winning in the series were Candys Image Rocks ($2.80, William Carter), who withstood the sustained pressure of Luckisontheway before extending his lead to 1-3/4 lengths at the end of a 1:55.4 mile for trainer Jamie Vance, and Sweet Lil ($23.80, Trae Porter), who patiently held on in third place before accelerating late to nab Cntnobdytelmenothn in 1:55.4 for trainer Jason Skinner.

Foster led all drivers with four wins in the 12 races, while leading driver Johnathan Ahle took a one-two-three. Nicole Ratledge joined Crissman-Bier with a practice double.

Live racing returns to Ocean Downs on Sunday (July 14). There are 12 races, headlined by the second round of the Maryland Sire Stakes for 3-year-old colts and geldings, kicking off at 7:05 p.m.