Little Instigator causes knockout in the Ocean Series – US Trotting News

Berlin, MD — Six days after her debut with a time of 1:59.2, Little Instigator returned to winning ways with a score of 1:57.1 in the $7,500 first round of the Bucky Gray Jr. Memorial Series for two-year-old trotters at Ocean Downs on Tuesday (July 9).

Primo Maschio and Waitingonyou captured the other divisions.

Jonathan Roberts shot Little Instigator ($3.40) from her outside post six ahead of Alexandria’s Dream. After taking control in conditions, the Heston Blue Chip-Last Time To Play mare was never in danger and prevailed by 3.5 lengths from Little Instigator. It was her second win in as many career starts for trainer Michael Hall and owners William and Sarah MacMillan. Tater Tot Hanover finished third.

Hall came back to win the third division with Primo Maschio ($3.60, Badlands Hanover-Primadonna), ridden by Trae Porter with a top time of 1:58.2 ahead of Deebo Hanover.

Porter was also successful in the first division, holding the Kevin Lare-trained Waitingonyou ($2.60, Downbytheseaside-Michelles Song) three-quarters of a length from her stablemate Preclude to win in 2:02.2.

Roberts led all riders on the card with three wins; Porter and Corey Braden each managed a one-two finish.

Live racing returns to Ocean Downs on Wednesday (July 10). The Tom Cooke Memorial Series for 2-year-old trotters begins with two first-round divisions held off the card. The non-wagered series begins at 6:40 p.m. The first start for the 12-race pari-mutuel card is at 7:05 p.m.