Skeet Thunder extended a string of consistent starts by capturing the $3,500 first leg of the Parkers Memorial Trotting Series on Thursday afternoon at Colonial Downs as the 17th harness season entered day number two.
The four-year-old Sos Lunar Eclipse gelding left from post six in a field of nine, settled into fourth and didn’t converge on the front three until mid-stretch. Trainer/driver Richard Bertrand, who was aboard Skeet Thunder, witnessed Always Quick Star grab the early lead and maintain it through fractions of :28.3, :59 and 1:28.2.
At the head of the stretch, Pinefullofboots, Mystic Flower and Always Quick Star engaged in a tight duel through deep stretch until the former leader went off stride and faded before the finish. Skeet Thunder took advantage of the break and sailed by the other pair, crossing in 1:58.3, two and a half lengths ahead of Pinefullofboots.
Skeet Thunder has won seven of 14 this year, including three of his past four.
Bellator took advantage of a perfect pocket trip to score a one length triumph in the $4,500 Delmarva Handicap's first leg Thursday. The four-year-old Rocknroll Hanover horse is trained by Stacy McClenaghan, who captured the 2013 Delmarva finale with Diamond Star.
Driver Jason McDougall guided Bellator to second initially while Bettorseeitmyway grabbed control and cut panels of :27, :56.3 and 1:25.3. When the leader faded slightly in deep stretch, Bellator came outside and scampered by, then held off fast-closing Breakin Loose to cross in a new life mark of 1:53.
Colonial Downs is dark Friday. The opening week slate continues with a 10-race card on Saturday and a nine-race card Sunday, both at 1 p.m. The card on Sunday will be enhanced with an exhibition camel race and ostrich race.
(Colonial Downs)