George Leager's Slick Tony was a 1:53.4 winner in the first leg of the Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund stakes for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings Monday at Harrington Raceway.

In the first of two divisions, Transitioning Joy came away with the early lead from his rail post position with Evolution Tour in the pocket. Favourite Slick Tony (Russell Foster) settled in third early before a first over grind to three-quarters where he would go toe-to-toe with Transitioning Joy through the stretch in a game battle in which the former prevailed narrowly. Evolution Tour was third.

It was the 12th win in 16 career starts for the son of No Spin Zone who is trained by his owner. He paid $3.60.

The second DSBF split featured a field of six with Don Marine's Cinder Block pursuing a sixth straight win. That win streak would come to an end, courtesy of a huge first-over brush and crush by Bay Pond Racing's America First ($10, Jeff Fout), who was a 1:55 winner.

The Roddys Bags Again colt made an aggressive charge at the front runners near the three-quarters and drew away from the field. GWT rallied for second while Cinder Block, the early leader, faded to third.

Trained by Fout, it was the third career win for America First.

(Harrington)