Ocean Downs: Nobody Knows It sets stakes and track records
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A record-setting performance highlighted an exciting night of Maryland Standardbred Fund competition Wednesday at Ocean Downs as the state’s freshman fillies took center stage in four divisions worth more than $113,000.
The evening featured three pacing divisions and one rich trotting event, but it was Nobody Knows It who stole the spotlight.
Corey Callahan sent the Richard Hans trainee directly to the lead entering the first turn, and the daughter of Betting Gangster S never looked back. Setting measured fractions of 29 1/5, 58 3/5 and 1:28, Nobody Knows It remained comfortably in control before drawing away to a two-length victory in 1:57 1/5.
The mile established both a new Ocean Downs track record and a new Maryland Standardbred Fund stakes record for 2-year-old trotting fillies, adding another accomplishment to an already impressive young career.
Owned and bred by Richard Hans, Nobody Knows It lowered her own mark while stamping herself as one of the premier freshman trotters in the region.
Sister Saloon raced gamely to finish second, while stablemate That’s It For You closed well to complete the trifecta, giving trainer Richard Hans two of the top three finishers.
All That Rusty Upsets Early Favorite
The opening pacing division produced the night’s first surprise as All That Rusty rallied from just off the pace to upset Land Of The Free and Blaze Of Glory.
Anthony Morgan guided the Herman Hagerman trainee into perfect striking position before unleashing a determined stretch drive. All That Rusty edged past Land Of The Free in the final strides to prevail by a neck in 1:58 2/5 after pacing her final quarter in 29 2/5.
Owned by Hagerman Racing, the daughter of Rusty’s For Real rewarded her connections with a hard-fought victory over a field that featured several highly regarded freshmen.
Secret Sign Holds Off Heavy Favorite
The second division featured another outstanding performance as Secret Sign turned back overwhelming favorite Buenas Dias in an exciting stretch battle.
Corey Braden put the daughter of Heston Blue Chip on the lead from the rail and controlled the tempo through fractions of 29 1/5, 59 2/5 and 1:28 3/5. Buenas Dias mounted a determined challenge in the stretch, but Secret Sign dug in courageously to prevail by a nose in 1:57 1/5.
Trained by co-owner Stacey McLenaghan and owned along with Deborah Warnick, the Winbak Farm-bred filly purchased for $5,000 last fall earned a maiden score Wednesday evening.
Wisdom N Grace Cruises in Final Division
The evening concluded with another impressive front-end performance as Wisdom N Grace controlled every step of the final pacing division.
Brandon Givens wasted little time sending the daughter of Sports Column to the lead, and the Les Givens trainee quickly opened a commanding advantage. After reaching the half in :59, Wisdom N Grace maintained a sizable lead through three-quarters before coasting home a comfortable four-length winner in 1:57 4/5.
Elastic Heart finished second, while R U Kidding completed the top three.
Owned by Nanticoke Racing Inc., Henry Faragalli III, and Stephen Daugherty, the Winbak Farm-bred filly delivered one of the evening’s most visually impressive victories. Wisdom N Grace was a $14,000 purchase at Harrisburg in 2025.
Maryland Standardbred Fund action continues this coming week with the 3-year olds hitting the track on both Monday (August 10) & Wednesday (August 12).
-edited release (Ocean Downs)