Hickory Lane Farm

8/4/08

PEGASUS SPUR THREE YEAR OLDS SCORE VICTORIES IN OHIO STATE FAIR STAKES ACTION

BRITT VAN (Pegasus Spur-Girl Power-Mr Lavec) and SAND WYNDHAM (Pegasus Spur-Sand Chic-Pine Chip) both scored impressive victories in Ohio State Fair action at Scioto Downs this past week. BRITT VAN wired her field in 1:59.3f for driver Kyle Ater, trainer, Dan Ater and owners, Rober Van Ostrand and Todd Liebman of New York. SAND WYNDHAM continued to assert himself over the other three year old colt trotters in Ohio by overpowering the field with a wicked stretch kick to win in a swift 1:57f for driver Matt Kakaley, trainer, Tye Loy and owner Bill Sanders of Tennessee. Congratulations to the connections of both of these fine trotters!

7/21/08

SAND WYNDHAM STORMS TO VICTORY IN OHIO SIRES STAKE ACTION AT SCIOTO DOWNS

SAND WYNDHAM (Pegasus Spur-Sand Chic-Pine Chip), stormed from ten lengths off the pace at the half to sweep the field with a last half in 57.2 to capture the fastest division in the $40,200.00 Ohio Sires Stakes at Scioto Downs Saturday evening in a lifetime best 1:56.2f to win by 1 1/2 lengths for owner Bill Sanders, trainer, Tye Loy and driver, Matt Kakaley. A big, strong and improving colt, Sand Wyndham will be a force to reckon with in the three year old trotting ranks the rest of this season. Congratulations to his connections!

7/14/08

STAND FOREVER AND PEGASUS SPUR COLTS AND FILLIES SCORE VICTORIES IN OHIO SIRES STAKES ACTION LAST WEEKEND

Hickory Lane Farm Stallions STAND FOREVER and PEGASUS SPUR had success last weekend in Ohio Sires Stakes Action as their colts and fillies scored victories at Scioto Downs and Raceway Park in Ohio Sires Stakes actiover this past weekend.

On Friday evening, three year old filly PERFECT M FOREVER (Stand Forever-Perfect Model-Nobleland Sam) led wire to wire coasting to an easy 3 3/4 length victory in 1:54.2f at Scioto Downs for driver-trainer, Mark Winter and owner KSJ Stable, LLC, Ohio.

On Saturday evening at Scioto Downs over a very sloppy track, two year old trotting colt JUST ANOTHER PHOTO (Pegasus Spur-Just Plain Denise-Overcomer) braved the elements and courageously came from off the pace to get up at the end for a one length victory in 2:03.2f for driver-trainer John Konesky III and owners, Mary Ann Konesky and Patrick Konesky of Ohio.

Finally, on Sunday evening at Raceway Park, 2 year old filly OUTSTANDING BB (Stand Forever-Challo BB-Nobleland Sam) was just that in scoring a decisive and dominating victory by 4 lengths in 2:00.4f for driver Matt Kakaley, trainer Mickey Burke and owners Sylvia Burke, Frank Baldachino and Barbara Schneider. Another Stand Forever filly, FOREVER IVY, owned by Rebecca Ewing, Apple Creek, Ohio was a strong second in her first lifetime start cutting the mile and losing only by a length and a half in 1:58.2f. Congratulations to all for your success this past weekend!

6/23/08

PEGASUS SPUR FILLY WINS DIVISION OF OHIO SIRE STAKES THREE YEAR OLD FILLY TROT AT NORTHFIELD PARK

BRITT VAN (Pegasus Spur-Girl Power-Mr Lavec), captured the third division of the $80,000 Ohio Sire Stakes trot at Northfield Park in 2:03.2h by one and a half lengths over a sloppy track. Britt Van went gate to wire for owners Robert Van Ostrand and Todd Liebman of New York. Dan Ater trains and Kyle Ater drove her to victory. Congratulations to all!

5/14/08

WORTHY FLIER CAPTURES MARE OPEN TROT AT THE MEADOWS IN 1:56.4f

Surging to the front with a strong last quarter in 29.1, WORTHY FLIER (Pegasus Spur-Vail-Baltic Speed) defeated the finest filly and mare trotters at The Meadows last evening in 1:56.4f in the $18,000.00 Mare Open Trot. This 4 year old lass has now won three in a row for owner Leonard Buckner and driver-trainer Charlie Norris. Congratulations to all!

5/5/09

PEGAFEST WINS OHIO SIRES STAKE DIVISION; PEGASUS SPUR'S FINISH 1-2 AT MOHAWK RACEWAY SATURDAY EVENING

Taking control at the start, PEGAFEST (Pegasus Spur-Fiesty Sherry-Arnies Exchange) cruised to an easy wire to wire victory in her $20,000.00 division in Ohio Sires Stake action for three year old trotting fillies Friday evening at Lebanon Raceway. With her win, Pegafest has established herself as a leading contender among three year old trotting fillies in Ohio this year. Congratulations to her driver-trainer, Jim Dailey and owners Kimberly Dailey, Michael Kirby and Paul Theising.

At Mohawk Raceway Saturday evening, Pegasus Spur's son JUSTANOTHERSPUR (Pegasus Spur-Just Plain Denise-Overcomer) and his daughter E PEGASUS (Pegasus Spur-Marty E-Armbro Illiad) finished an impressive 1-2 in a $22,000.00 condition trot, with Justanotherspur trotting the winning mile in 1:56.3z. It is Justanotherspur's third win in his last four starts at Mohawk/Woodbine while increasing his quickly growing bankroll this season to over $55,000.00. The Pegasus Spur's have performed very well at Woodbine and Mohawk's 7/8 mile tracks which is good news for all Ontario breeders. Congratulations to Crystal Ball Stables, Akron, Ohio on their victory and to Greg Buckey, Dublin, Ohio and Tom York, Newark, Ohio on E Pegasus second place finish as E Pegasus closes in on $100,000.00 lifetime earnings.

3/28/08

ELEGANT JENN WINS $28,100 MAPLE LANE TROT AT THE MEADOWS

Utilizing a strong brush to the front in the backstretch, ELEGANT JENN (Pegasus Spur-Jenica Hall-Esquire Spur) won the $28,100 Maple Lane Trot late closer final at The Meadows last evening in 1:59.4f over a sloppy track. Owned by Candous O'Brien and driven by Terry O'Brien, this ever improving daughter of Pegasus Spur recorded her eighth lifetime victory. Congratulations to her connections. Pegasus Spur is now standing at Seelster Farms, Ontario for a stud fee of $4,000C.

2/22/08

PRIMO SPUR WINS $20,000.00 OPEN TROT AT THE MEADOWS

Charging from far back, PRIMO SPUR (Pegasus Spur-T Tar's Shadowmio-Armbro Illiad) scored an impressive victory in the $20,000.00 Open Trot at The Meadows Thursday night in a lifetime best 1:55.2, with a last half clocking in 56.3. Congratulations to owner Roy Davis and trainer-driver Dick Stillings.

1/10/08

BREEDING AND BOARDING NEWS FOR 2008

As we begin a new breeding season, the dynamics of the breeding industry in Ohio have changed. With the Ohio legislature turning their backs on Ohio's harness racing industry, Ohio's breeding industry is spiraling downward due to its inability to effectively compete with neighboring states like Pennsylvania, New York and Indiana. After being number one in the number of mares bred in the United States for several years, Ohio slipped to sixth in 2007 and will slip further in 2008. Numerous talented stallions have also been forced to leave the State due to declining opportunities.

At Hickory Lane, we recognize that until the legislative climate changes in Ohio, we too, have to make changes in order to compete. For the 2008 breeding season, Hickory Lane is welcoming mares being bred to Stallions all across North America (including Ohio), to board, foal and breed to stallions outside (and within ) Ohio. We provide one of the finest facilities in Ohio and have the expertise to handle all of your breeding needs. We understand that many of our clients will pursue breeding opportunities in other jurisdictions due to the favorable programs they maintain. We welcome the opportunity to provide to you our facilities and resources for your benefit. Please give us a call and let us tell you how we can assist you with your breeding needs in 2008.

12/5/07

PEGASUS SPUR MOVES TO SEELSTER FARMS, LUCAN, ONTARIO

Hickory Lane Farm and David James Bloodstock Ltd. are pleased to announce that Pegasus Spur will stand at Seelster Farms, Lucan, Ontario for the 2008 breeding season and beyond. By moving to Ontario, Pegasus Spur and his offspring will be eligible to the rich Ontario Sire Stakes program as well as numerous other lucrative stakes in Canada and North America. This is a tremendous opportunity for Pegasus Spur and he will have the advantage of standing at one of the largest and most respected breeding farms in Ontario. While we will miss him here at the Farm, we are excited and thrilled that Pegasus Spur will enjoy a wonderful opportunity to maximize his promising stallion career in Ontario. His 2008 service fee is $4,000.00 live foal. For further information regarding Pegasus Spur's move, please feel free to contact Brad Wallace at Hickory Lane.

9/25/07

SPECIAL "THANKS" TO ALL THAT BOUGHT HICKORY LANE YEARLINGS

Hickory Lane would like to extend its heartfelt Thank You! to all owners and trainers that purchased Hickory Lane Farm yearlings at the Ohio Jug Sale last week. Without your support, our efforts would not be possible. Thank you, again, from all of us at Hickory Lane! Remember, we are selling hip number 447 in the Lexington Select Sale. He is a Real Desire Colt out of the Western Hanover mare, Lady Callaway. He is consigned by Spring Haven Farm and can be seen in their consignment. Check him out; he is a racy looking colt!

9/10/07

TACO SPUR SECOND IN WELLWOOD MEMORIAL TROT ELIMINATION AT MOHAWK

TACO SPUR (Pegasus Spur-Sweetie Spur-Tagliabue) finished a strong second 1:57.1z in his $30,000.00 elimination of the William Wellwood Memorial two year old trot at Mohawk Raceway. Taco Spur will start from the seven hole in the $533,700.00 final next Sunday. Taco Spur is owned by Roy Davis, Pittsburgh, Pa and trained and driven by Richard Stillings. Good luck in the final!

9/7/07

STAND FOREVER HAVING A GREAT YEAR!

With all the hoopla surrounding Yankee Cruiser this year, Stand Forever's two year old accomplishments have been largely overlooked, but are they impressive! Let's take a look at what this fine stud's two year olds have accomplished this year. From only 25 foals, Stand Forever has 19 starters. Of those nineteen starters an astounding 15 have won races this year. That means almost 80% of his two year old starters are winners led by C'MON LEW W, 1;55.1h and PERFECT M FOREVER, 1;55.3f. More impressively, Stand Forever ranks 10th among all stallions in North America in average earnings per starter at $6,720.00 per foal. That number is only $800 per foal less than the heralded Yankee Cruiser! Stand Forever has been a solid, quality sire in Ohio for years now. His accomplishments go largely unnoticed. Don't overlook his foals at the Ohio Jug Yearling Sale this Fall. With all the buzz over the Yankee Cruiser's (who 's yearlings will probably sell at an inflated premium) there are bound to be good values available when buying a Stand Forever yearling. Please come see them at our consignment; they are great looking individuals!

9/4/07

IS IT TIME FOR SOME CHANGES TO THE OHIO SIRES STAKES FINALS?

Hickory Lane extends our congratulations to the connections of all colts and fillies who were victorious Saturday evening in the Ohio Sires Stakes Championships at Northfield Park as well as all finalists who participated. Anyone in this business knows that it takes a lot of hard work, money and a little luck to keep a horse healthy all season to compete at such a high level. After observing this event over the years, especially the racing of the championships on a half mile track, the Ohio Standardbred Development Fund should take note of a couple of matters that need to be addressed. First, it is clear that any horse saddled with the misfortune of having blindly drawn the seven or eight hole on a half mile track is at an almost insurmountable disadvantage before the race ever takes place. No horse who had the seven or eight hole won any of the finals Saturday evening. In fact, no horse starting from the eight hole finished in the top three in any of the finals. Owners and trainers who put their hard earned dollars and time into this sport should not be at the mercy of a blind draw to predetermine their fate. Yet it happens time and time again and nothing is done about it. One of the best examples of this situation was a trotter several years ago named On The Way Up, who was a top son of Overcomer, who was clearly the best of his class throughout the year, yet got saddled with the eight hole in the final on a half mile track only to get parked out the whole mile and lose at the wire because of the post. Unfortunately, there are many more examples of this same type of situation. Finally, any horse that finishes the season as the top point earner in each division has earned the right to choose their post position for the final. There should be a reward and recognition for all the hard work and achievement throughout the year. It seems patently unjust that a horse that is a top point earner should be penalized in such a way as being saddled with an outside post position, especially on a half mile track. This rule change would also make owners and trainers seriously reconsider whether or not they would intentionally skip final legs of the Sires Stakes if they knew they might be jeopardizing their right to pick their post position for the Finals. These are just a few suggestions. I'm sure there are more, and hopefully, some dialogue will develop among the participants in this sport in Ohio to assure that our Sire Stake finals are fair and equitable for all involved.

9/4/07

THREE TRACK RECORDS SET BY HICKORY LANE OFFSPRING OVER LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Hickory Lane sired colts set three track records this weekend, two of them coming last Friday evening in Superstakes action at Van Wert, Ohio. PS I'M DYNAMIC (Pegasus Spur-Instanter-Armbro Illiad) set the track record for two year old trotting colts when he trotted in a swift 2:04h, smashing the track record by two full seconds in winning by 4 1/2 lengths. Jeff Miller Stable and Kevin Klear own this colt; Mike Wolfe was driving. PS I'M DYNAMIC was bred, raised and sold by Hickory Lane Farm as a yearling. Later that evening, three year old trotting colt PEGASUS FURY (Pegasus Spur-CSI Mudslide Sally-Striking Sahbra), not to be outdone, set the track record for three year old trotting colts at Van Wert by trotting his mile in 2:012h winning by 7 1/2 lengths with a last quarter in an amazing 27.3 seconds! Pegasus Fury shaved more than a full second off the previous track record. Larry Farley, Berkey, Ohio owns this talented colt. He is trained and was capably driven by Steve Boroff. Congratulations to both connections!

At Wauseon, Ohio, Monday, September 3rd, another track record was recorded when Max Shaw's ROYALTON STAR (Threefold-Cinder Sandy-Look Sharp) absolutely destroyed the track record for three year old pacing colts when he won by 14 lengths in 1:54.2h. Also of note, BAVARIAN ROSE (Precious Bunny-Jentina Ken Win-Raque Bogart) easily defeated her field Saturday at Wauseon in a swift 1:59h winning by 10 lengths. Hickory Lane will sell a Stand Forever half brother to Bavarian Rose at the Ohio Selected Jug Sale later this month.

Finally, I would be remiss in not noting that it was a disappointing night for Pegasus Spur's two and three year old colts Saturday evening at Super Night at Northfield Park. Things just didn't go their way as two of the three colts in the three year old division were saddled with the two far outside post positions on the half mile oval and could not overcome it and the two year old colt SAND WYNDHAM was saddled with the eight hole yet was still able to trot a big mile to finish fifth. Congratulations go out to the connections of C'MON LEW W (Stand Forever-C'Mon Frankie-Towner's Big Guy) and EVENING JET (Jet Laag-C'Mon Ashley-Flight Director) who finished third each in their respective divisions. Despite the bad luck, all finalists should be commended for their successes throughout the year in getting their colts and fillies to the Finals. Job well done!

8/20/07

HICKORY LANE OFFSPRING SHINE IN OHIO SIRES STAKES ACTION OVER THE WEEKEND

Last Friday evening at Scioto Downs, a pair of Hickory Lane bred three year olds displayed their talent in winning $20,000.00 divisions of their respective Sire Stake races. In the three year old filly pace, EVENING JET (Jet Laag-C'mon Ashley-Flight Director) won her division in an impressive 1:55.3f by 1 1/4 lengths for owners Jeff Miller Stable and Jeff Philipot. Hickory Lane will sell a beautiful Stand Forever half sister to Evening Jet at the Ohio Jug Selected Yearling Sale September 17th. Later that same evening, E PEGASUS (Pegasus Spur-Marty E-Armbro Illiad) came from far off the pace and got up late to win by a neck in 1:59 for owners Greg Buckey and Tom York. Jim Arledge, Jr. trains and Del Miller drove this daughter of Pegasus Spur. Hickory Lane will sell a good looking full brother to E Pegasus at the Ohio Selected Jug Sale September 17th.

Saturday evening at Scioto Downs saw C'MON LEW W (Stand Forever-C'Mon Frankie-Towner's Big Guy) remain undefeated as he handily won his $20,000.00 division of the two year old colt pace by 3 1/2 lengths in 1:55.2f for owners Jerry Sommers, John Rhoads, Jr. and Ron Brechler. Ray Paver trains C'Mon Lew W and Sam Noble III drove him to victory. The win assures a spot in the $100,000.00 Sires Stakes final for this talented colt.

Finally, on Sunday evening at Raceway Park, DOCDOR REECE (Pegasus Spur-Shesatrottinjenny-Striking Sahbra) negotiated a sloppy track with a move up the inside to take his $20,000.00 division in 2:02.3f for owners Jeff Miller Stable and Dorothy Miller. Docdor Reece will also compete in the $100,000.00 Sire Stakes final of the three year old colt trot Saturday evening, September 1st at Northfield Park. Congratulations to all on a very successful weekend of racing!

8/13/07

PEGASUS SPUR COLTS WIN TWO OF THREE DIVISIONS OF THE THREE YEAR OLD COLT TROT IN OHIO SIRES STAKES ACTION; DOWNTOWN SHOWDOWN VICTORIOUS

It was a big night for Pegasus Spur's three year old colts as they again took center stage Saturday evening at Scioto Downs capturing two of three divisions in Ohio Sires Stakes action. PRIMO SPUR (Pegasus-Spur-T Tar's Shadowmio-Armbro Illiad) started the evening off with the fastest winning time coming from off the pace in 1:57.1f for owner Roy Davis and trainer-driver Dick Stillings. With his victory, Primo Spur guaranteed himself a spot in the $100,000.00 Ohio Sire Stake final. DOCDOR REECE (Pegasus Spur-Shesatrottinjenny-Striking Sahbra) finished the evening off with a brilliant effort shooting up the inside to secure the victory by a neck in 1:58f for owners Dorothy Miller and Jeff Miller Stable, Jeff Miller, trainer and Jeff Nisonger, the driver. With his victory, Docdor Reece also secured his spot in the $100,000.00 OSS Final meaning that at least three Pegasus Spur colts have secured a spot in the OSS Final September 1st at Northfield Park with still one leg to race. This is quite an impressive accomplishment. Congratulations! Pegasus Spur is the leading money winning three year old sire in Ohio by quite a large margin. Again,"the Balanced Image of Ohio" and his offspring just keep getting better with age!

Dale and Elizabeth Decker's DOWNTOWN SHOWDOWN (Stand Forever-Downtown Gal-Towner's Big Guy) won his leg of the Ohio Sire Stakes three year old colt pace in 1:54.1f at Scioto Downs. What makes this win so special is that Downtown Showdown is a homebred for the Decker's. They raised and trained this colt themselves and Dale drove him to his first Sires Stakes victory Saturday evening. What a thrill that must have been for them. We at Hickory Lane salute the Decker's and their success. Well done!

8/6/07

PEGASUS SPUR COLTS WIN TWO OF THREE DIVISIONS IN THE OHIO STATE FAIR TROT STAKES FOR THREE YEAR OLD COLT TROTTERS

It was a big night for Pegasus Spur's three year old colt trotters Saturday evening at Scioto Downs in the Ohio Fair Stakes Trot as Ohio's leading three year old money winning sire had offspring win two of the three divisions. In fact, in one division, Pegasus Spur colts finished one-two-three-four! SMARTY MARTY Z (Pegasus Spur-Paula Quite Polite-Armbro Illiad) scored a nose victory in his $22,400.00 division over another Pegasus Spur colt, Justanotherspur in 1:58.2f for owner Fred Polk, driver, Ray Paver and trainer Ed Rider. DOCDOR REECE (Pegasus Spur- Shesatrottinjenny-Striking Sahbra) followed right up in the next $22,400.00 division with a wire to wire victory from the eight hole (first quarter in a blistering 27.1) in 1:58f for owners Jeff Miller Stable and Dorothy Miller, and trainer Jeff Miller and driver Jeff Nisonger. It's obvious that the Pegasus Spur's keep getting better with age. His size and the size of his offspring remind a lot of people of the great Balanced Image and his progeny. As the Balanced Images got older, they kept getting better; the same is true of the Pegasus Spur's.

On the pacing end, WESTERN BUNNY (Precious Bunny-Western Kisses-Western Hanover) held off a late charge from Hickory Lane bred EVENING JET (Jet Laag-C'mon Ashley-Flight Director) to win by a nose in her $20,000.00 in 1:56.4f for owners DM Stables, LLC, William Rufenacht, and Denny Miller. Jim Mulinix trains this talented filly and Russell Swartz was in her sulky. Congratulations to all on a successful Ohio State Fairs Stakes weekend!

8/3/07

PERFECT M FOREVER, TACO SPUR WIN IN OHIO STATE FAIR STAKES ACTION AT SCIOTO DOWNS

The Ohio State Fair Stakes is taking place at Scioto Downs this week. This Stake is one of the Big Three in Ohio. Last evening, two year old filly pacers and two year old colt trotters were in action. PERFECT M FOREVER (Stand Forever-Perfect Model-Nobleland Sam) started the evening off in the first race with an impressive wire to wire win in her $27,800 division winning by 3 3/4 lengths in an evening fast time of 1:55.3f. KSJ Stables, LLP and Mark Winters own this mare who has now won five races in a row. Mark Winters trains and drives this talented filly. In the two year old colt division, TACO SPUR (Pegasus Spur-Sweetie Spur-Tagliabue) was much the best in the final division scoring an easy 5 3/4 length victory in a fast 1:59f for driver-trainer, Dick Stillings and owner Roy Davis of Pittsburgh, PA. This owner-trainer-driver combination campained the great PEGASUS SPUR during his racing career. Taco Spur certainly looked in every respect like his dad in polishing off eight other rivals. SON OFA SPUR (Pegasus Spur-Speedy Trojan-Armbro Illiad) was second to Taco Spur giving Pegasus Spur a one-two finish in the $21,900 division. Three year old filly pacers and three year old colt trotters are in action this evening. Good luck to all!

7/31/07

TACO SPUR WINS LATE CLOSER IN 1:59.1F; GORDIE HOW, C'MON LEW W AND SWING AND A HIT VICTORIOUS AT NORTHFIELD PARK

Two year old trotting colt TACO SPUR (Pegasus Spur-Sweetie Spur-Tagliabue) scored an impressive 4 1/2 length victory over Pennsylvania bred trotters last Thursday evening at The Meadows in winning his late closer for owner Roy Davis and trainer-driver Dick Stillings in 1:59.1f. This speedy colt will try to duplicate that performance this week in the Ohio State Fair Stakes at Scioto Downs Thurday evening. To date, Pegasus Spur has recorded an impressive 25 winners from 41 two year old starters this season, which means that 61% of all Pegasus Spur two year old starters have won races this season!

Northfield Park hosted the Summit County Superstakes last Saturday evening. Stand Forever colts rode to the top as GORDIE HOW (Stand Forever-Grandma Gordie-Towner's Big Guy) wired his field in 1:55.1h for owner Dean Davis and trainer-driver Kurt Sugg. C'MON LEW W (Stand Forever-C'Mon Frankie-Towner's Big Guy) made it two for two this season as the two year old easily defeated his rivals by 3 3/4 lengths in 1:57.2h for owners Jerry Sommers, John Rhodes, Jr. and Ron Brechler. Ray Paver, Jr. trains and Sam Noble III was in his sulky. Finally, SWING AND A HIT (Pegasus Spur-Swing Anna Miss-Striking Sahbra) was a big hit for his owner, Timura Trotters as he wired his field in 1:59.2h . This rapidly improving three year old is trained by Dierdre Hotten and driven by Todd Jones. This week is the Ohio State Fair Stakes and Hickory Lane Stallions will be well represented in the fields. Good Luck to all!

7/23/07

PEGASUS SPUR AND STAND FOREVER TWO YEAR OLDS WIN IN OHIO SIRES STAKES ACTION OVER THE WEEKEND

SON OFA SPUR (Pegasus Spur-Speedy Trojan-Armbro Illiad) and C'MON LEW W (Stand Forever-C'mon Frankie-Towner's Big Guy) both scored impressive Ohio Sires Stakes victories at Northfield Park last Friday evening. Son Ofa Spur remained undefeated in three lifetime starts scoring his third straight OSS victory in an easy 3 length victory for owner-trainer Wayne Bell and driver, Aaron Merriman. C'mon Lew W in his first lifetime start, swept the field at the three quarter pole and scored an impressive 1 length victory in 1:55.1h for owners Jerry Sommers, John Rhodes and Ron Brechler, and trainer-driver, Ray Paver. Congratulations to the connections to these two fine two year olds.

At Raceway Park Sunday evening, LESS STRESS (Pegasus Spur-Stress Factor-Defiant Yankee) won her second OSS in three events posting an easy 3 length wire to wire victory in 2:03.1f for owners DM Stables, LLC, Joyce and Dick McClelland and Dean Davis. Troy Boring drove Less Stress. She is trained by Jim Arledge, Jr. Congratulations to all on a successful weekend of racing!

7/09/07

HICKORY LANE'S SIRES ON DISPLAY IN OHIO SIRES STAKES ACTION LAST WEEKEND

It was a full weekend of Ohio Sires Stakes action at three Ohio tracks for two and three year old trotters and pacers. On Friday evening at Northfield Park, Jet Laag's three year old daughter, EVENING JET (Jet Laag-C'mon Ashley-Flight Director) took advantage of the passing lane to slide up and nip her rivals by a neck in 1:55h. The beautiful grey filly out of the Ohio champion mare, C'mon Ashley, was bred and sold as a yearling by Hickory Lane to her owners, Jeff Miller Stable and Jeff Philipot.

On Saturday eveing at Scioto Downs, PRIMO SPUR (Pegasus Spur-T Tar's Shadowmio-Armbro Illiad) powered up from well off the pace to overtake another Pegasus Spur colt, SWING AND A HIT, late, to win by one length in 1:58.3f for owner Roy Davis of Pittsburgh and trainer-driver, Dick Stillings. Primo Spur's win puts him right in the thick of the race for a spot in the $100,000.00 final at Northfield Park September 1st.

Finally, on Sunday night at Raceway Park, Hickory Lane stallions had two more winners when SON OFA SPUR (Pegasus Spur-Speedy Trojan-Armbro Illiad) made it two for two in Ohio Sires Stakes action wiring his field easily in the first division by 2 1/2 lenghts in 2:04f for owner-trainer Wayne Bell, driver Aaron Merriman and breeder Steiner Stock Farm, Lima, Ohio. STAND UP FRONT (Stand Forever- Where's Sarah-Cam Fella) gave Stand Forever his first two year old sire stakes winner of the year as he wired his field winning by 1 3/4 lengths in 1:59.4f for owner AWS Stables, Lima, Ohio and trainer, Brian Brown. Congratulations to all on a very successful weekend!

7/2/07

PEGASUS SPUR AND JET LAAG 2 YEAR OLD'S WIN LAST WEEKEND IN OHIO SIRE STAKES ACTION; FORWHICHITSTANDS WINS $30,000.00 INVITE MARE PACE SATURDAY NIGHT AT HOOSIER PARK

Ohio Sires Stakes action for 2 year old trotters and pacers kicked off at Northfield Park for fillies Friday and at Scioto Downs Saturday for colts. First, a word of congratulations to Midland Acres' pacing sire, Yankee Cruiser. His first crop was sensational this weekend, winning 4 of 5 two year old filly pacing divisions and 3 of 4 two year old colt pacing divisions. This was truly a remarkable feat by this first year sire and our hats go off to him. The one colt pacing division not won by a Yankee Cruiser colt was won by a son of Jet Laag, OSBORNE'S JET (Jet Laag-Jate Amour Osborne-Jate Lobell), owned by Jerome Osborne, trained by Eric Hamlet, and driven by Ryan Stahl, this talented two year old won in 1:57.1f, winning by 1 1/4 lengths coming from way back. Congratulations to his connections.

On the trotting side, Pegasus Spur had a good weekend, recording winners in both the filly and colt divisions. In the filly division, the star of the evening was LESS STRESS (Pegasus Spur-Stress Factor-Defiant Yankee) who annihilated her competition by 6 1/4 lengths in 2:00.4h. Not only was her time a full second faster than any other division winner, she also set a national season's record for two year old trotting fillies on a half mile track in the process. This was truly a devastating performance by this filly which puts her at the top of the two year old trotting filly class in Ohio. Congratulations to her owner, Ernest Ayers, Sand Creek, MI, her trainer, Brian Boring, and her driver, Troy Boring. Finally, in th colt division, SON OFA SPUR (Pegasus Spur-Speedy Trojan-Armbro Illiad) wore down the pacesetter Scorin Lavec (who made a break at the wire) and won his division in 2:02f for owner-trainer Wayne Bell and driver Aaron Merriman and breeder, Steiner Stock Farm. SAND WYNDHAM (Pegasus Spur-Sand Chic-Pine Chip) was a hard closing second by a head in his division for owner Bill Sanders and trainer-driver, Tye Loy.

At Hoosier Park Saturday evening, a hearty congratulations go out to owner Cherie Green and trainer Jim Dailey as FORWHICHITSTANDS (Stand Forever-Happy Hocus Pocus-Laag) won a special Mares Invitational Pace for $30,000.00 on closing night in a brisk 1:52z by 1 1/4 lengths defeating nine other top older open mare pacers. Forwhichitstands has developed into one of the top older mare pacers in the Midwest. It has been fun to watch this mare's progress since her two year old year. Congratulations to all on a very successful weekend!

6/26/07

PEGASUS SPUR FILLIES FINISH 1 AND 2 IN KILLBUCK MARY FINAL AT SCIOTO DOWNS

Two Pegasus Spur fillies finish 1st and 2nd in the final of the Killbuck Mary Late Closer Trotting Series at Scioto Downs. Worthy Flier (Pegasus Spur-Vail-Baltic Speed) and In Way Too Deep (Pegasus Spur-In-Carry The Message) finished neck in neck to finish 1st and 2nd respectively in 1:57, being a new lifetime mark for Worthy Flier. Congratulations to Worthy Flier owner Leonard Buckner, trainer Tom Brinkerhoff and In Way Too Deep owners Charles Guiler, John Sugar and Hugh (Sandy) Beatty and trainer Sandy Beatty.

6/13/07

PEGASUS SPUR FILLIES SWEEP KILLBUCK MARY ELIMINATIONS AT SCIOTO DOWNS; THE "DOCDOR'S" WIN AT HAZEL PARK

Pegasus Spur fillies continue to dominate the Killbuck Mary Late Closer Trotting Series at Scioto Downs. On Tuesday night, the rapidly improving filly In Way Too Deep (Pegasus Spur-In-Carry The Message) overtook another Pegasus Spur filly, Jingle Your Spurs, in the stretch to score her first career victory by 2 1/2 lengths in a sharp 1:59f for owners Charles Guiler, John Sugar and Hugh (Sandy) Beatty. Sandy Beatty trains and drives this talented filly. In the second division, Worthy Flier (Pegasus Spur-Vail-Baltic Speed) continued her dominance of the Series by overwhelming her rivals by 9 1/4 lenghts in 1:58.1f for owner Leonard Buckner and trainer, Tom Brinkerhoff. Both winners will be in action in the Ohio Sires Stakes Sunday at Raceway Park, Toledo, Ohio. Good luck!

Up at Hazel Park in Detroit last evening, a couple of three year old Pegasus Spur "Docdor's" put their talents on display for owners Dorothy Miller and the Jeff Miller Stable as Docdor Skip (Pegasus Spur-Shamrock Kate-Crysta's Crown) and Docdor Reece (Pegasus Spur-Shesatrottinjenny-Striking Sahbra) both wired their respective fields winning in 2:00f and 1:58.2f respectively. Docdor Skip has now won two in a row after being sidelined last year with an injury. This talented Pegasus Spur colt will surely make his presence felt when he re-enters Ohio Sire Stake action July 7th at Scioto Downs. As the season progresses, it is very apparent the the majority of Pegasus Spur three year olds just keep getting better and better. It will be fun to continue to watch their accomplishments as the season progresses.

6/12/07

PEGASUS SPUR LEADS ALL TROTTING SIRES IN NORTH AMERICA IN TWO YEAR OLD WINNERS!

What a start for Pegasus Spur. Two more winners can be added to the list I outlined yesterday. The filly Katiesue (Pegasus Spur-Susan-Nearly Perfect) won her matinee at the famed Delaware County fairgrounds by 22 1/4 lengths in 2:05.1h for trainer-driver Tony Price and owners Christopher and Vickie Spellmire. At Northfield Park on Monday, Sand Wyndham (Pegasus Spur-Sand Chic-Pine Chip) defeated seven other two year old trotters by 1 1/4 lenghts in 2:06h for trainer-driver Tye Loy and owner Bill Sanders. With these two new winners, Pegasus Spur now has seven two year old winners, the most of any trotting sire in North America! More are certain to come in the days ahead; stay tuned.

6/11/07

IT'S TWO YEAR OLD QUALIFYING SEASON! PEGASUS SPUR'S OFF TO A GREAT START!

It's that time of year again when there is great excitement and anticipation in the air as the two year old babies begin their racing careers. Pegasus Spur is off to a great start again this year with five (5) two year old winners to date, four of them coming last Friday in qualifying action around the Midwest. At The Meadows, Charlie Norris won with the filly Empresstar (Pegasus Spur-Final Empress-Final Score) in 2:05.1f by 3 1/2 lengths. At Northfield Park, Wayne Bell scored a 1/2 length victory for the colt Son Ofa Spur (Pegasus Spur-Speedy Trojan-Armbro Illiad) in 2:08.1h. At Scioto Downs, Bob and Polly Sidley's Fly Emily Fly (Pegasus Spur-Butter Fly-Heydey) flew past the field winning by 10 lengths in a swift 2:04.4f. Finally, the Jim Arledge , Jr. trained filly Talented Flyer (Pegasus Spur-Talented Sahbra-Striking Sahbra) showed her talent by crushing her field of rivals by 27 1/2 lengths in 2:07.4f for Owners Joyce A. McClelland, Zanesville, Ohio and DM Stables, LLC, Florida. This is just the first of many Pegasus Spur's that will be qualifying over the next several weeks. With 82 two year olds registered this year, 2007 figures to be another big year for the second year sire, Pegasus Spur, in Ohio. Good luck to everyone and their Pegasus Spur's!

6/4/07

HE'S SPURTACULAR TROTS TO A NATIONAL SEASON'S RECORD IN OHIO SIRES STAKES ACTION; STAND FOREVER COLTS WIN TWO OF FOUR DIVISIONS AT NORTHFIELD PARK

He's Spurtacular (Pegasus Spur-CD Dot Com-Tabor Lobell) was just that Saturday night at Northfield Park winning his division in the Three Year Old Colt Trot in Ohio Sires Stakes action in 1:57.3h, trotting to a national season's record in the process. He's Spurtacular fought off three different challengers at three different points in the mile and made the win look easy in disposing of eight other very talented trotters. He's Spurtacular has clearly established himself as one of the top trotters in the United States for owners Cheryl and Dan Venier of Pemberville. Ohio. Congratulations on a very impressive victory. As a side note, the Pegasus Spur's made up 10 of the 36 colts in the Sires Stakes field, which was almost twice as many offspring as any other trotting sire put forth in the race!

In other Ohio Sires Stakes action Saturday night from Northfield Park, Stand Forever reminded everyone that he is one of the top pacing sires in Ohio when Gray and Gifted (Stand Forever-Gaal-Laag) and Gordie How (Stand Forever-Grandma Gordie- Towner's Big Guy) posted impressive victories in their respective divisions of the Three Year Old Colt Pace. Gray and Gifted wired the field in 1:55.2h for owner Daryl Sherman, Elmore, Ohio and trainer Kent Sherman, Independence, Ohio. Gordie How did the same and dazzled the crowd with a jaw dropping 1:53.2h performance winning by 3 lengths for owner Dean Davis, Wooster, Ohio and trainer-driver, Kurt Sugg. Gordie How has leaped to the top of the list of best 3 year old colt pacers in Ohio due to the masterful care and training Sugg has given him. Congratulations to all and for those who placed in Sire Stake action last Saturday evening!

5/29/07

STAND FOREVER COLTS SWEEP LATE CLOSER DIVISIONS AT SCIOTO

A pair of Stand Forever colts trained by Kurt Sugg swept the late closer for 3 year old pacing colts a Scioto Downs last Friday evening in impressive fashion. In the first division, Gordie How (Stand Forever-Grandma Gordie-Towner's Big Guy) romped to a 15 3/4 length victory in a scorching 1:53. Gordie How is owned by Dean Davis, Wooster, Ohio. In the second division, Sugg came right back and scored a 7 3/4 length victory with Bow Echo (Stand Forever-Art First Date-Artsplace) for owners Jim Mettinis of New Jersey and British Betty Racing Stable of New York. Both colts will race this Saturday in Ohio Sires Stakes action at Northfield Park; good luck to both colts. In other action, Primo Spur (Pegasus Spur-T Tar's Shadowmio-Armbro Illiad) posted an impressive 5 3/4 length victory Saturday evening at The Meadows over older rivals in 1:57.1. Primo Spur is owned by Roy Davis, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Along with the Gordie How and Bow Echo, Primo Spur and the rest of the 3 year old trotting colts will also be in action this Saturday night at Northfield Park.

5/16/07

PEGASUS SPUR FILLIES TAKE 2 OF 3 DIVISIONS IN THE KILLBUCK MARY TROT AT SCIOTO DOWNS

Pegasus Spur fillies Pegasus Always and Worthy Flier won their respective divisions in the first leg of the Killbuck Mary Trotting Series at Scioto Downs last evening. Pegasus Always (Pegasus Spur-Giltedged Action-Speed in Action) remained undefeated in three lifetime starts winning her division in 2:02.3 by 1 1/2 lenghts for owners Jeff Miller Stabe and Louis Klausing. Worthy Flier (Pegasus Spur-Vail-Baltic Speed) won the fastest division trotting on the front end the entire mile in 2:01. Ohio Sire Stake winner Worthy Flier is owned by Leonard Buckner and trained by Tom Brinkerhoff. The series for trotting fillies continues next Tuesday in preparation for the second leg of Ohio Sires Stakes action for 3 year old trotting fillies at Scioto Downs Memorial Day, May 28th. Congratulations to the connections of these two fine trotting fillies.

5/10/07

DOWNTOWN SHOWDOWN IN 1:53.4 IN HIS SECOND LIFETIME START

Downtown Showdown, p.3.c (Stand Forever-Downtown Gal-Towner's Big Guy) turned heads at Hoosier Park last evening pacing his winning mile in a sparkling 1:53.4. What is amazing about this mile is that this is only the colt's second lifetime start. Downtown Showdown led the whole mile winning by 4 lengths after cutting an opening quarter in a blistering 26.1! It is obvious this green colt is extremely talented and fast. We hope he develops for his owners Dale and Elizabeth Decker into a top Ohio stakes colt as the season progresses.

5/7/07

THREE HICKORY LANE SIRED OFFSPRING WINNERS IN OHIO SIRES STAKES ACTION

Hickory Lane Stallions Pegasus Spur and Threefold provided winners Friday and Saturday night in Ohio Sires Stakes action at Lebanon Raceway. Friday, Pegasus Spur filly Worthy Flier (Pegasus Spur-Vail-Baltic Speed) showed her true grit enduring a first over trip for the last half mile to prevail by a neck in 2:03. The Leonard Buckner owned filly will now go to Scioto Downs to race in preparation for the second leg of the Sires Stakes on May 28th. On Saturday night, Royalton Star (Threefold-Cinder Sandy-Look Sharp) drew off by 3 3/4 lengths in route to his OSS victory in the 3 year old colt pace. Royalton Star, owned and trained by Max Shaw, Lyons, Ohio, showed why Threefold is one of the most underrated pacing sires in Ohio. From only a few offspring, he consistently produces sire stake quality horses. The final division of the 3 year old colt trot produced the most exciting race of the evening when two Pegasus Spur colts battled the whole mile, with He's Spurtacular (Pegasus Spur-CD Dot Com-Tabor Lobell) besting One Sharp Spur (Pegasus Spur-Toast-Lucky Almahurst) by a length in 2:01.1 after the two went toe to toe almost right from the start. Both were clearly the two best in their division and both look to be real threats the rest of the season in OSS action. He's Spurtacular is owned by Cheryl and Dan Venier of Pemberville, Ohio. One Sharp Spur is owned by HPS Consulting, Inc., James Paul, Eg Trot, LLC and John Arnold, Findlay, Ohio. Congratulations to all winners and best wishes to those who race Hickory Lane stallion offspring in the major stakes this season.

4/30/07

PEGASUS SPUR ALREADY WITH 3 SUB 2:OO WINNERS!

We have not even finished April nor have we contested a single leg of the Ohio Sires Stakes and, already, Pegasus Spur has three sub 2:00 minute three year old winners. Docdor Reece is the most recent winning last evening at Hoosier Park in a crisp 1:59.3, drawing off by 3 3/4 lengths for Doc and Dorothy Miller and the Jeff Miller Stable. Earlier in the week He's Spurtacular was just that, living up to hype, romping in his first start this season at Northfield Park in an impressive 1:59.3, winning by 5 1/2 lengths for Dan and Cheryl Venier. One Sharp Spur turned heads at his qualifier April 21st trotting a sizzling mile in 1:59.1 defeating his rivals by 5 3/4 lengths for Ed and Eddie Greeno, Jr., HPS Consulting, Inc. and Hal Paul. Finally, Worthy Flier, owned by Hickory Lane co-owner Leonard Buckner, was second by a neck in her Scioto qualifier in a snappy 1:59.3. All will be in action along with a host of other Pegasus Spur's this Friday and Saturday at the first leg of the Ohio Sires Stakes at Lebanon. It is shaping up to be quite a year for Pegasus. Good luck to all in the Sires Stakes!

4/27/07

PEGASUS ALWAYS BREAKS MAIDEN

Pegasus Always (Pegasus Spur-Giltedged Action-Speed in Action) broke her maiden in her first lifetime start winning at Hoosier Park last evening in 2:02.2, coming from well off the lead to win by a head, trotting her last half in 59.3. Pegasus Always is owned by Jeff Miller Stable and Louis Klausing and is trained by Jeff Miller. Pegasus Always is another example of a three year old Pegasus Spur who did not race or was lightly raced at two who has begun their three year old season in impressive fashion. Hickory Lane will sell a full brother to Pegasus Always at the Ohio Jug Yearling Sale this Fall. Good luck to the Miller's and Louis Klausing this year with Pegasus Always.

4/23/07