When Dovescry ($2.80) might be the sharpest trotting mare in North America right now, and her score in the $116,500 Miss Versatility Final as part of the 2021 Little Brown Jug undercard on Thursday (Sept. 24) at the Delaware County Fairgrounds did nothing to lend evidence to the contrary.
Driver David Miller sent the 2/5 choice to the front and dared his rivals to pass him. After a :29 opening quarter, world record holder Weslynn Quest (Joe Bongiorno) was first-up to challenge before the half and pressed the temposetter through a relaxed :59 half over the less than ideal conditions in Ohio.
Heading into the backstretch, Weslynn Quest made a break to remove her from contention. When Dovescry had ratcheted up the speed ever so slightly, reaching the third quarter in 1:27.2. As Absattitudexpress (Yannick Gingras) made gains first over, Miller was starting to ask his mare for another gear. When Dovescry responded willingly at the head of the lane and opened up a quick three lengths on her competition and hit the wire up by four in 1:56.2. A gutsy Absattitudexpress nosed out pocket-sitting Felicityshagwell S (Andy Miller) for second.
"She is absolutely one of the most perfect and lovely horses you could ever have in your stable," said trainer Brett Pelling. "She's a pleasure to be around and she's with you. We love her, and she loves us."
John Lengacher of Grabill, Ind. owns When Dovescry (Muscle Hill - Cedar Dove), now a winner of her last three starts with a 6-4-1 summary from 12 seasonal outings. The winner's share of the purse lifts her bankroll over the $1.5 million mark for her career.
The Miss Versatility Final was contested on the undercard of the 2021 Little Brown Jug, part of a stakes-filled undercard that also included Ohio Breeders Championships and Buckeye Stallion Series events.