Elton J and Chipoffthewall came away victorious in their respective divisions of the Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund for two-year-old trotting colts and geldings during Tuesday’s 15-race card at Dover Downs.
The $20,000 opening split went to Elton J in front-stepping fashion. The son of Dusty Winner-Cashmere was hustled through first-half fractions of :29.1 and 1:00.4 before taking a brief seat behind Politicized, who led the group past the three-quarter pole in 1:31.1. Elton J re-emerged from the pocket and used a :31.1 kicker to post the neck decision over Politicized in 2:02.3. Chrome Master rounded out the Triactor ticket.
Trainer/driver Carlo Poliseno engineered the 8-1 upset with the homebred gelding, who improved his 2015 record to 4-1-0 from seven starts. The career winner of $53,882 is owned by Jane Dunavant of Kenbridge, VA.
Chipoffthewall did all the roadwork in the second division en route to notching a two-length score in 1:59.2. Tony Morgan put the 1-9 favourite on the lead quickly from Post 3 and together they sliced out fractions of :29, :59.2 and 1:29.4 before sealing the deal with a final quarter trotted in :29.3. Mondello was next best, with Popcorn Machine taking home third prize.
Trainer Syl King, Jr. of New Holland, PA races the youngster under a lease, and in 10 starts the rookie has racked up a 5-1-0 record and purse earnings of $51,440.