Saints Design extended her unbeaten streak this season with a commanding victory in the $72,786 Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund Late Closer final for three-year-old trotting fillies at Bally’s Dover on Monday, March 31.
Driver Corey Callahan wasted no time sending Saints Design to the lead, mirroring her previous front-running efforts. She set the pace with an opening quarter in :28.3 before Callahan tapped the brakes for a :31.2 second quarter, reaching the half in 1:00. The field remained single file until Marino Bluestone (Jim Morand), launched a first-over bid from fourth down the backstretch.
By the three-quarter mark in 1:30.2, Saints Design and Marino Bluestone were stride for stride, while Peggys Girl (Jason Green) saved ground along the pylons. The rest of the field struggled to keep up. As they straightened for home, Saints Design found another gear, effortlessly pulling away to win by 5-3/4 lengths in 1:59.4. Marino Bluestone finished second, with Peggys Girl rounding out the top three.
Owned and trained by Virginia Louthan of Felton, Delaware, Saints Design (St Patricks Day–Designable) secured the biggest win of her career.
When asked if he had any concerns when Marino Bluestone drew alongside at the three-quarter pole, a confident Callahan reflected on the effort, saying, "No, I saw Morand on the outside of me, but my trotter was good."
Louthan, emotional in the winner’s circle, added, “I wanted to cry—I was so proud of her. She had problems hitting her knees last year, but I was able to make some equipment changes.”
The Tuesday, April 1 card at Bally’s Dover features the $50,850 USD Late Closer Final for three-year-old colt and gelding trotters, along with the $18,000 USD Winners Over Condition Trot.
Bally’s Dover races Monday through Thursday, with a 4:30 p.m. post time. This marks the final week of live racing at the track this meet.
(With files from Bally’s Dover)