Scioto Downs: No sweat for Downbytheseaside in Jug Preview

Downbytheseaside cruised to an easy victory in the $125,000 Jug Preview Saturday night at Scioto Downs. The sophomore son of Somebeachsomewhere scored in 1:51 for driver Brian Sears and trainer Brian Brown.

Outside leavers Scotch McEwan and Drunk On Your Love exchanged the lead on the first turn, and then Downbytheseaside moved before the quarter to stroll to the top with five-eighths remaining. The quarter of 28 2/5 was moderate, and Sears kept the pace to his liking, going to the half in 56 2/5 and only accelerating slightly with a 1:24 1/5 three-quarters as Sports Column and Andrew McCarthy attacked and Filibuster Hanover tracked second-over cover at a distance.

In the stretch Sears looked back with confidence as his colt drew off with a 26 4/5 final quarter. The battle was for the place spot, and Filibuster Hanover and Matt Kakaley were all-out to get up over Sports Column on the wire.

Now a winner nine times in 13 starts in 2017, Downbytheseaside will go next in the Little Brown Jug on September 21.

"I'm relieved," said Brown. "He didn't get home well last week (Messenger), but he was much better tonight."

Country Club Acres, Joe Sbrocco, Rich Lombardo and Diamond Creek Racing own Downbytheseaside, who pushed his 2017 bankroll to $1,018,716 with the win.