After winning his six previous starts by a combined 26 lengths, Melvin G withstood the toughest test of his rookie stakes campaign in the form of Legend Of Rock, whom he held off by a half length to win Tuesday's (Nov. 26) $152,778 Delaware Standardbred Breeders' Fund championship for two-year-old male trotters at Bally's Dover and complete a series sweep.

Sent off the 1-20 favourite for a seventh consecutive start, Melvin G and driver Jim Morand left from post seven and worked to clear Yale (driven by Art Stafford Jr.) just upon entering the first turn. The E L Platinum-Jersey Punk gelding was in complete control well before the end of a :28.1 first quarter, and he coasted unopposed through middle splits of :58.1 and 1:28.2 before facing a stern first-over challenge from 27-1 shot Legend Of Rock (Corey Callahan), who began his ascent from fourth with three-eighths of the mile remaining. Legend Of Rock worked into level terms with Melvin G off the home turn but was rebuffed in mid-stretch as Melvin G responded to secure victory in 1:57.4. Legend Of Rock maintained second; Yale was a one-paced third from the pocket, another three-quarters of a length back.

Les Givens trains Melvin G, who now has won seven of 10 starts and earned $222,771 for the partnership of Nanticoke Racing and breeder Legacy Racing of Delaware. He paid $2.10 to win.

The $27,778 DSBF consolation for two-year-old trotters went to Blue Collar Boy, who defeated Burly by 5-1/4 lengths in 2:00.4 and returned $2.20 as the 1-10 favourite. Tim Tetrick drove the Anders Bluestone-Willow Mill Anna gelding for trainer Dylan Davis, who shares ownership with Shannon Stafford and Michael West.

The final DSBF championship event for two-year-olds this season is slated for Wednesday (Nov. 27) at Bally's Dover, with seven-time winner Little Miss Peyton leading a field of eight rookie pacing fillies in the evening's sixth of 15 races. First post is 4:30 p.m. EST.

The Open Handicap Trot on Tuesday evening was won by Keg Stand, who doubled up in feature victories. 

Rivers (Corey Callahan) left alertly along the pylons and parked out J L Cruze (Montrell Teague) as well as the 1-2 betting favourite Keg Stand (Tony Morgan). J L Cruze cleared the lead passing the quarter in :28 while Keg Stand continued parked out. The Nick Devita trainee bullied his way to the lead before passing the half in :56.4. Herodotus, who spotted the field five lengths before the start and never found the pylons, sped up the backstretch from the outside and drew alongside Keg Stand. The three-quarters clocked 1:25 and both trotters battled into the lane. Keg Stand survived the battle to win by a neck in 1:53.4. Herodotus finished second while J L Cruze was fourth placed third.

Devita trains Keg Stand, a five-year-old gelded son of Bar Hopping - Palm Beach Bi, for owners David Hamm and Evm Racing LLC. M Biasuzzi Stable Inc. bred the winner. He paid $3 to win.

Tim Tetrick drove five winners on the card while Tony Morgan chipped in with a driving four-bagger.

Racing continues on Wednesday (Nov. 26) at Dover with a 4:30 p.m. post time. 

(Delaware Standardbred Breeders' Fund)