Scioto: Doubles for Burke, Wrenn Jr. in Ohio State Fair clashes

Unlike in the Adios when he lost by just a head to Prince Hal Hanover, a close finish went Swingtown's way in the big money $145,000 Ohio State Fair event for 3-year-old male pacers on Saturday night at Eldorado Scioto Downs.

Swingtown (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) brushed to the lead past the 26 3/5 quarter and then yielded to an attack from fellow Ron Burke trainee Rick Wink (Chris Page) beyond the 54 4/5 half. When Rick Wink cleared, that left Extra Suds (Aaron Merriman) first-up, and he would pressure Rick Wink to three-quarters in 1:22 3/5 and around the final bend.

In the lane Extra Suds began to give way, which left the race to the two Burke horses. Swingtown charged through the passing lane and was able to get his nose to the wire just ahead of Rick Wink, prevailing by the narrowest of margins in 1:49 2/5. Extra Suds held third over early leader and 112-1 shot House Of Brix (Trevor Smith).

A Downbytheseaside colt bred by Steiner Stock Farm, Swingtown is owned by Burke Racing Stable LLC., Hatfield Stables, Knox Services Inc. and R A S Racing LLC. He has a summary of 10-3-2 from 19 starts, has earned $715,984 and paid $3.60 to win as the favorite.

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Burke also won a $57,200 Ohio State Fair dash for 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers with Lindy Dragonwater (by Downbytheseaside and bred by Lindy Farms, paid $4.20 to win) in 1:52 2/5 with Page driving for owners Burke Racing Stable LLC., Knox Services Inc., Beasty LLC. and Brad Grant, and Wrenn Jr. captured a $57,200 Ohio State Fair showdown for the same group with Crocodile Station (by Downbytheseaside and bred by Spring Station Bloodstock, paid $4.00 to win) in 1:52 3/5 for trainer Michael Hitchcock and owner William Hartt.

Also winning a $56,500 Ohio State Fair division for rookie pacing males was Pet Project (by Pet Rock and bred by co-owner/trainer Kimberly Dailey with Jerry Zosel and Kathy Ratcliff, paid $3.60 to win) in 1:52 2/5 for driver Trevor Smith and co-owner Jr Stable LLP.

Three-year-old male trotters also competed in two $72,000 Ohio State Fair splits, with victories going to:

--Long Highway (by Long Tom and bred by Midland Acres, paid $8 to win) in 1:54 3/5 for trainer/driver Sandy Beatty and owners Frank Cautela and John Sugar;

--Vekna (by Enterprise and bred by Spring Haven Farm, paid $19 to win) in 1:54 2/5 for trainer/driver Kayne Kauffman and owner Natalie Kauffman.