Gaitway Guy faced a stout challenge from Ajayi heading into the far turn in Monday's $100,000 Delaware Standardbred Breeders' Fund series final for two-year-old male pacers at Bally's
Getting away from the pole in the field of seven, the Delmarvalous-Brussels Hanover gelding yielded to two outside leavers before driver Corey Callahan opted to make his move.
"I just wanted to get away as close as possible," Callahan said. "Timmy [Tetrick, driving Delightinhisglory] grabbed the lead and looked like he had his horse settled, so I made my move, and it was pretty much over from there."
Delightinhisglory worked through a :27.4 first quarter to clear Night Terror (driven by Roger Plante), and Gaitway Guy brushed from third shortly thereafter to clear the lead with a lap to go in the one-mile race. After a :57.4 half, Gaitway Guy was forced to accelerate nearing the far turn as Ajayi (Montrell Teague) posed a major first-over threat, making up six lengths to work nearly even with Gaitway Guy at three-quarters in 1:26.3. Undeterred, Gaitway Guy found more, digging in to rebuff Ajayi's challenge and opening a three-length lead in the stretch while driven out. Delightinhisglory reclaimed second late over Ajayi, who levelled off after his sustained bid.
Following Gaitway Guy's seventh career win in as many starts — one that lifted his bankroll to $142,400 — Jeff Smith indicated that the GTY Stable homebred took some early conditioning to develop the demeanour of a champion:
"He can get a little bumpy or on a line at times, but he's got the ability. He's done it every start. He was a bit of a problem child early, but he's come around."
Gaitway Guy, who has now gone off at 1-9 odds in five consecutive starts, returned $2.10 across the board.
In the $20,000 DSBF consolation, Nottes Mist overcame an eventful trip before drawing away to a decisive 1:55.3 win. He was embroiled in a three-way battle through a :27 quarter, ultimately taking back to third while Sweetest Swing pushed forward for control. After a :57 half, Nottes Mist was shuffled into midfield as Marshal Dillon mounted a first-over charge to the lead, but Trae Porter found room to slide the Powerful Mist-A La Notte Hanover colt off the pegs at three-quarters in 1:25.4.
Once clear, Nottes Mist found another gear, overtaking Marshal Dillon at head-stretch and winning by a widening 7-1/4 lengths. Showdown Lynx rallied up the open stretch to collar a stalled Bad Boy Too for third.
Wayne Givens owns two-time winner Nottes Mist, who paid $4 to win, for owner-breeder Reginald Hazzard.
Both $100,000 DSBF finals for two-year-old trotters are slated for Tuesday (Nov. 22) at Bally's
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