Matron Elims To Dali & Blueridge Western

Dali and Blueridge Western had no problem finding their way to victory lane in their respective $41,519 elimination of the Matron for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Monday at Dover Downs.

In rein to Ron Pierce, the Uncirculated Stable’s Dali survived a first-over journey to take the opening elimination in a career-best clocking of 1:49.2.

The Duane Marfisi pupil wore down pacesetter First Rate, who served up splits of :26.1, :54.2 and 1:21.4, en route to posting his third win of the season in 18 starts. Lisfinny rallied to finish second, Santanna Blue Chip was third and First Rate picked up fourth prize in the six-horse affair.

Dali will head into next week’s final looking to add to the 3-2-4 record he has put together in 18 starts this campaign. This year’s bankroll of $475,086 brings his career total to $929,412.

Blueridge Western, fresh off a third-place finish in the $500,000 Breeders Crown Final, took the second elimination in a time of 1:51.1 for the team of trainer Kevin McDermott and driver Dave Palone.

The son of Allamerican Ingot sat third to the quarter pole, which was served up in :26.2 by Proper Respect. Palone hit the throttle as the field paced in front of the grandstand and easily cleared to the position of command.

Once in charge he rolled the field through panels of :55.2 and 1:23.3 before kicking out a :27.3 closing quarter to seal the deal. Proper Respect was second, Jo Pas Wild Card finished third and Mystery Chase rounded out the top four.

Fran Azur of Coraopolis, PA holds the papers on the gelding, who won for the fourth time this season in 22 tries. The lion’s share of the purse lifted his lifetime earnings over $700,000.

The first four finishers in each of Monday’s eliminations will return next Monday for the $249,113 Matron final.