The first leg of Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund (DSBF) action for three-year-old colt and gelding pacers kicked off the racing action at Harrington Raceway on Monday, June 16.
In the first of two $27,027 divisions, the big favourite, Forrest Bartlett's Primo Maschio ($2.10, Trae Porter), won his 13th career race in 16 tries decisively in 1:55.4 by 4-3/4 lengths over Big Hunk A Money (Jason Thompson) and Won Last Call (Montrell Teague). Trained by Walt Callahan, the winning Badlands Hanover-Primadonna gelding never had an anxious moment in winning his fourth race in five starts this year.
The second DSBF split went to Kdk Standardbreds' Lew Not Lou ($4.40, Ross Wolfenden), who outkicked a game Shore Not Beach (Pat Berry) to the wire for his fourth career win in 21 starts. The Badlands Hanover-Dance With Danger gelding, trained by Kevin Switzer, popped the pocket and attacked Shore Not Beach on the final turn, a prelude to a home-stretch duel that saw Lew Not Lou holding on by a neck for the win in 1:55. Sting Ray (Corey Callahan) finished third. The winner is three-for-nine this season.
The top eight point-earners from two rounds of eliminations will compete in the $110,000 USD finals on July 17.
In the overnight feature, the $22,973 Delaware Special, Wager On Me ($38.80, Jason Thompson) pressured pacesetter Master Rigger (Barton Dalious) in the final quarter and edged clear for a 1-1/4-length win in 1:53.2. Sweet Angel Boy (Wolfenden) was second with Hundred Dollar Man (Teague) third.
Trained by Joe Columbo for owner George & Tina Dennis Racing, Wager On Me, a nine-year-old Bettors Delight-Ravishnmasterpiece gelding, notched his 41st career win in 213 appearances and gave Thompson a double on the program.
Corey Callahan had a driving triple.
Troy Beyer and Ross Wolfenden joined Thompson with driving doubles.
(With files from Harrington Raceway; photo of Primo Maschio winning on June 16)