Scioto: The Next Generation showcased on Saturday afternoon

Ohio-sired 2-year-old pacers of both sexes were featured on Saturday afternoon at Scioto Downs in $150,000 divisions of The Next Generation, an event with a different format than a traditional stakes race.

According to harness racing's jack-of-all-trades Gabe Prewitt, who is currently based at the Columbus, Ohio-area oval, Scioto sold slots in the race for $10,000 each and then the track added $60,000 to the purse to give a final total of $150,000.

The fillies were up first, and it would be Sophie's Candy (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) leading through fractions of 27 3/5, 57 3/5, and 1:27 after making front from post eight. Winella Hanover (Chris Page) worked out a second-over trip from post five, went three-wide going to three-quarters, and assumed the first-over chase of Sophie's Candy on the far turn.

Sophie's Candy and Winella Hanover battled side-by-side for much of the stretch drive, but Winella Hanover proved better on the day, improving to two-for-two lifetime with a 1:55 victory. Sophie's Candy held second, a length behind the winner, and Notwhatshesaid (Tyler Smith) was third after a pocket trip.

From the first crop of Racing Hill and bred by Hanover Shoe Farms Inc., Winella Hanover is trained by Ron Burke for owners Burke Racing Stable LLC., Weaver Bruscemi LLC., Jason Melillo, and J&T Silva- Purnel & Libby. The $40,000 Ohio Selected Yearling Sale purchase has earned $77,800 and paid $7.40 to win.

In the race for colts and geldings, I'm Sorry Man (Brett Miller) took over the lead past the 28 second opening quarter and would go on to reach the half in a rated 57 1/5 over the sloppy going. Charlie May (Dan Noble) was out and moving first-over at the half, and he would advance to match strides with the pace-setter and then put a neck in front at the 1:26 2/5 three-quarters.

I'm Sorry Man managed to withstand Charlie May's initial thrust and came back on to show a narrow advantage around the last turn, but once they got into the lane Charlie May hit top gear again and kicked away to score by a length and three-quarters in 1:54 3/5. Odds On Pick Six (Peter Wrenn) was up for second, and I'm Sorry Man wound up third.

The victorious McArdle colt is trained by Steve Carter for owner/breeder Don Tiger. Charlie May, who was making his pari-mutuel debut after a win and a second in two qualifiers at Scioto, is out of the Western Hanover mare Stipple Hanover. Charlie May returned $4.80 to win as the public choice.

There was also a single $60,000 Ohio Sires Stakes contest on the program, and Artful Dancer surged into the lead on the final bend and pulled away to win by a four and a quarter lengths in 1:52. Penpaperpaige (Tyler Smith) was the runner-up, followed by Real Rockin Ravi (Josh Sutton).

Noble and Carter were also the winning driver/trainer tandem with Artful Dancer, a Yankee Cruiser filly owned by Tammy Carter, Jay Mossbarger, Rich Lombardo Racing LLC., and Josh Green. This was her fourth career win, and she has now pocketed $171,284. A 14-1 shot, she paid $30.60 to win.