Northfield: The Real Way surges to Ohio Sires Stakes victory

The Real Way rallied off a wicked tempo and won tonight's lone $100,000 Ohio Sires Stakes contest for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers at MGM Northfield Park in 1:49 2/5.

Driven by Chris Page, The Real Way got away in the sixth spot and watched as Rockmelikeyameanit (Kurt Sugg) blasted to the top in a 25 2/5 opening quarter before yielding to a two-wide attack from favored Burnout (Billy Davis Jr.). Burnout kept the pedal down and reached the half in 52 4/5 with Wicked Character (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) tipping out first-up from third and supplying cover to Quick Trick (Chris Lems) and The Real Way.

Racing towards the 1:20 4/5 three-quarters Wicked Character went back down to the rail, leaving Quick Trick to take up the chase from first-over, and The Real Way still on Lems's helmet. Quick Trick was able to work his way by Burnout late on the final bend and turned for home first, but Page had The Real Way in full flight three-wide as Quick Trick struck the front. Quick Trick was very game and dug in to the wire, but The Real Way had a little more late and was able to get up for the victory by a head. Rockmelikeyameanit wound up third.

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A Downbytheseaside colt, The Real Way is trained by Ron Burke for co-owners/breeders Burke Racing Stable LLC., Weaver Bruscemi LLC., and Knox Services Inc. and co-owner Let It Ride Stables Inc. The Real Way has a record of 7-1-2 from 17 starts, has earned $199,988 and paid $20.00 to win after being sent off at 9-1.