Neither rain nor gloom of night could deter KDK Standardbreds' homebred Heinikin Bythebay from capturing his third Delaware Standardbred Breeders' Fund title, finishing a sweep of the December series at Bally's Dover for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings with a 1:53.2 win in Thursday's (Dec. 15) $100,000 championship.
Ds Heartland and driver Art Stafford Jr. pushed to the fore early from post six, but Heinikin Bythebay and Tim Tetrick made their way to the lead just after the :26.4 first quarter after sitting patiently in the two-path through the first turn. Once the Southwind Lynx-Sally Pansen gelding controlled the terms, it was lights out for his seven rivals. Heinikin Bythebay traveled uncontested through middle splits of :56.1 and 1:24.2 before using a :29 final quarter to gain 3-3/4 lengths of separation on eventual runner-up Bad And Boujee (driven by Tony Morgan), who escaped traffic to save second over the first-over Business Director (Pat Berry).
Kevin Switzer trains 15-time winner Heinikin Bythebay (pictured above winnig on Dec. 1), who has earned $283,775 in his career.
Tetrick won the $20,000 DSBF consolation as well, putting I Roddy into play first-over up the backstretch and collaring pacesetter Itspronounced Jif by a half length in 1:56.1. Jason Skinner trains the Roddys Bags Again-I Turtle gelding, a four-time winner who returned $7 to win, for owners and breeders Susan Camac and Susan Skinner.
Incaseyoudidntknow won the Blue Hen Open Handicap Pace as she beat the boys and the elements.
Grand Cayman launched quickest off the gate. Mack also left but accepted the pocket trip racing to the quarter. Grand Cayman was on a mission, as he set crisp race fractions into the wind and rain. The quarter was reached in :27, the half in :55.3 and the three quarters went in 1:23.3. Incaseyoudidntknow, following the three-wide cover provided by Island Of The Sea down the backstretch, made steady gains on the pacesetter. She circled four wide entering the lane and drove on to win by a neck in 1:51.4. She paid $11.60 for the win. Grand Cayman, the 8-5 betting favourite, cut the mile but was caught in the final stages and finished second. Mack maintained pocket position throughout and finished third.
Incaseyoudidntknow, a four-year-old daughter of Always B Miki, is owned by James Mango and Joseph Fonte, both from Maryland. Les Givens trained and Art Stafford Jr. drove. The win put her over $200,000 in career earnings.
Tim Tetrick, Art Stafford Jr. and Tony Morgan each recorded driving triples on the card.
The final night of live harness racing, before the traditional Christmas break, will take place on Monday (Dec. 19). Bally’s Dover will be dark from Tuesday, Dec. 20 through Monday, Dec. 26. Live racing will resume on Tuesday, Dec. 27.
(with files from DSBF and Bally's Dover)