Driver Wayne Long won back to back races at Ocean Downs Sunday, August 16. The sixth race ended with Rustys Doll coming from behind the pack, with Long in the sulky, to steal the win.
Starting from Post 5, the Jeff Whaley-trained six-year-old mare got off to a slow start. Seein Stars (driven by Mark Gray) took control of the race early and paced the field to the opening quarter in :28:1. The 3-1 morning line favourite, Wild West Gal, sat in the pocket waiting patiently.
Seein Stars led at the opening half (:58:1), but was passed by Bunafide Artist (Ray Robinson, Jr.) before clicking off the three-quarter mile marker in 1:27:1. All the while, Rustys Doll made short advances until just before the final turn, when she turned on the
afterburners.
Rustys Doll chased down Bunafide Artist in the homestretch and won by one length in 1:56:3. The win was the mare's second at Ocean Downs this meet and fourth overall in 2009. Rustys Doll is owned by Vincent Bradley Stable in Laurel, Delaware.
(With files from Ocean Downs)