Northfield: Racing Rampage threatens world record in Ohio Sires Stakes romp

Racing Rampage just missed the world record for a 2-year-old gelding pacer on a half-mile track by a fifth of a second in winning the second of two $55,000 Ohio Sires Stakes showdowns on Saturday night at Northfield Park in 1:51 2/5.

Driven by Aaron Merriman, Racing Rampage tucked into third from post seven and watched as Burnout (Jason Thompson) and The Real Way (Greg Grismore) slugged it out to a 26 3/5 opening quarter. Burnout got The Real Way to settle into the pocket and then would go on to reach the half in 55 1/5, with Racing Rampage vacating the pylons to go first-over approaching that station.

Burnout clung to the lead at the 1:23 1/5 three-quarters, but Racing Rampage had moved up beside him on the rim, and Racing Rampage's pressure finally wore down Burnout late on the last turn. Once Racing Rampage put Burnout away, he drew off, winning by three lengths. Burnout held second, with The Real Way back in third.

A gelded son of Racing Hill-Sebring Blue Chip bred by Rose Run Farm, Racing Rampage is owned by trainer Darren Dowler in partnership with Lawrence Bettler. Racing Rampage, a $10,500 purchase at the Buckeye Yearling Sale, has won two of his three starts, has now earned $56,440, and paid $3.80 to win as the 4-5 favorite.

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Back in the first division, Rockmelikeyameanit (Billy Davis Jr.) prevailed by 2 1/4 lengths in 1:52 3/5 after he showed the way through stations of 27 3/5, 56 2/5, and 1:24. Boardwalk Jack (Hunter Myers) was next, followed by Dragon Attack (Chris Lems).

Christi Noble trains Rockmelikeyameanit, a McArdle-Fast And Fiesty gelding bred by Gbw Breeding Farms Inc., for owners Dennis Owens, Norman Rae Racing LLC., and James Morris. Rockmelikeyameanit has a record of 1-2-0 from three appearances, pushed his bankroll to $78,750, and returned $3.60 to win as the 4-5 favorite.