Hot Roddy won his sixth race in a row registering a wire-to-wire 1:55.2 triumph in the $100,000 Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund final for two-year-old pacing colts and geldings on an overcast, drizzling off-track at Dover Downs on Sunday.
Starting from outside post eight and overlooked at 7-1 odds, even though a winner of his last five straight races, George Dennis powered the Roddys Bags Again-The Artful Diva brown colt away fastest from the gate and never was headed cutting out the victory for Rodney Long, Tim Hundertpfund, and trainer Joe Hundertpfund. On the backstretch, Jon Roberts moved Beammeupscottie up to challenge, but could not reach the leader. Race favourite Golden Gun, with Corey Callahan in the bike, stalked Hot Roddy from the start then burst down the passing lane to no avail and had to settle for second-place honours. Artistic Director and Tony Morgan finished third.
“I really intended to come right out and find a hole, but since no one was leaving [fast] I went right to the front,” said Dennis. "This colt loves to race on the lead and fight off his opposition.”
Hot Roddy now has won seven of eight with one second. His bankroll increases to $132,575 this year.
“I want to thank Bobby and George Leager for selling me the colt,” beamed co-owner and trainer Joe Hundertpfund. “I bought him after his first race. He was sick last week and I had to scratch him, but he came back ready.”
In the $20,000 DSBF consolation, Ross Wolfenden drove Forever Love into the lead heading for the far turn to take control on the way to a 1:57.2 victory for trainer Tim Torbert and breeders-owners Norma Messick and Ron Patton. The Roddys Bags Again-Miss Courtney Lynn gelding won for the second time in nine career races. Buzz McQueen closed with a rush for Matt Kakaley to finish second. Early leader and public choice Quick Rod (Corey Callahan) led early and then held on for third place. Van The Man was scratched.
(Dover Downs)