On a mild and sunny Tuesday afternoon (Nov. 26), the Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund (DSBF) trotting two-year-olds ended their season with a pair of $100,000 finals and a $15,000 consolation event at Dover Downs.
In the final for two-year-old trotting colts and geldings, Jane Dunavant—the winning owner and breeder in the Harrington final—was victorious again, but with a different son of Dusty Winner. Air Time, one of three colts in the race trained by Carlo Poliseno, broke his maiden in 1:58.1 with Tim Tetrick in the sulky. Touch Of White finished a half length back in second and Rocky Bomber finished third.
The filly final, named for the late Dover Downs publicist Marv Bachrad, was won by Emmys Mayflower (Anders Bluestone-Stirling Charisma) and driver Russell Foster in a lifetime mark of 1:56.2, making it three in a row for breeder, owner and trainer Eric Foster. Orabelle, the Harrington final winner, finished second, followed by Alert.
The non-wagering $15,000 consolation saw the Linda MacDonald homebred Stella A (Anders Bluestone-Mocha) defeat Blue Carats and Master Of Mine in 1:59 for driver Ross Wolfenden and trainer Joe MacDonald.
The DSBF pacing finals will take place on Wednesday night (Nov. 27), along with the Hap Hansen Progress Pace. Post time is 4:30 p.m.
Homen Dry, an 80-1 long shot, shocked in the open trot at Dover Downs on Tuesday, Nov. 26.
Driver Tyler Davis, aboard Homen Dry, parked Lagerfeld and 3-5 favourite Scirocco Rob past the quarter. Lagerfeld then released Scirocco Rob and cut fractions of :27.1, :55.3 and 1:24.2. There were two breakers who scattered the horses in the back field, allowing the trio to draw clear of the rest of the competition.
In the final stages of the mile Davis angled Homen Dry first over and wore down Scirocco Rob in deep stretch to win in a three-way flash photo. Lagerfeld, driven by Yannick Gingras and trained by Edwin Gannon Jr., finished second. Scirocco Rob for driver Dexter Dunn and trainer Mark Silva finished a nose back in third.
Homen Dry is trained by Brian Malone for owner Peter Paul Venturini.
Wednesday night (Nov. 27) is the Hap Hansen Progress Pace, scheduled for the 12th race.
Post time is 4:30 p.m.
(with files from DSBF and Dover Downs)