Two-year-old trotters contested their final Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund preliminary events on Wednesday (Nov. 21) at Dover Downs.
The final leg for two-year-old trotting fillies went to post in a non-wagering event. Command The Day (CR Commando-Deanna Troy) did command the way, as last week’s winner went off stride at the three-quarter pole. Command The Day broke maiden in 2:02 for trainer Syl King Jr. and driver Victor Kirby, while Dark Dutchess got up for second.
The second non-wagering race for the fillies was certainly a sentimental favourite at Dover Downs. Star Time (Anders Bluestone-Political Starlet) crossed the wire in 2:02.4 for her maiden win. Trained by Tui Stone and now owned by her mother, Shirley Shand, the filly was bred by Marv Bachrad’s Serendipity Stable. She was driven by Kim Vincent. Royal Locket was second.
Colt and gelding trotters made the wagering card, beginning with the first half of the daily double. With 1-5 shot Embrace The Grind scratched, the field was wide open. At the wire, it was Go Jetem (Hes Spooky-Special Mist) in 2:04.1, lowering his lifetime record for driver Art Stafford Jr. He is owned by the Mist Stable and trained by Jim Thompson. Last week’s winner Rich N Royal got up for the place.
The second half of the daily double went to Dr Grinch (Giant Hit-Runaway Madonna) in 2:03.2, earning his maiden win for trainer-driver Jeff Fout and Joe and Joann Thomson’s Bay Pond Racing. Harrington final winner Just As Striking got up for second for owner-trainer-driver Eddie Dennis.
The $100,000 finals will be contested on Nov. 29 in conjunction with the Hap Hansen Progress Pace. The top eight point earners in each division are eligible for their respective finals.
(with files from Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund)