Trotting colts battle in DSBF series

There were two $20,000 division of the Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund opening round series for three-year-old harness racing trotting colts at Dover Downs Tuesday.

In the first race, first division, the undefeated Big Al M and driver Eric Davis cut the mile only to be passed at the top of the stretch by the pocket-sitting Blue Devil (Anders Bluestone-Overnight Hit) with driver Montrell Teague. They blew by for a two and one-half length triumph in 1:57.1.

It was a lifetime mark for the gelding that is trained by Adrian Wisher, owned by Elite Harness Racing, LL and was bred by Art Stafford, Jr. He paid $8.60 to win.

BLUE DEVIL REPLAY

In the second race, second division, it was Rhett (Keystone Activator-Lake Serena) grind it out early to take the lead from Someofmygoodtime (Bill Long) and once in command would not be headed again as driver Corey Callahan steered the gelded to a 1:59.1 victory by one and one-half lengths over Someofmygoodtime with Marvin B Swift (Roger Plante, Jr.) third.

Rhett was bred and is trained by 91-year-old Donnie Wiest, who co-owns him with his son, David.

RHETT REPLAY

Tomorrow night (December 1^st) the pacing fillies highlight the card. Post Time 4:30 PM.

By Judy Davis-Wilson, for the DSBF

Crystal Fashion takes the Open Handicap

Crystal Fashion paid instant dividends and won the Open Handicap Trot at Dover Downs on Tuesday night.

Northern Express and driver Russel Foster blasted from the wings of the starting gate and reached the opening quarter in a fast 27.1. Northern Express was in search of his third consecutive win and continued to lead the field to the half in 56.1, a 29 flat quarter.

Swansea, the 6/5 race favorite, was content to sit in the pocket. Crystal Fashion moved off the rail past the half from 6th and marched down the backstretch coverless, on the rim in attack mode. Northern Express braced for the challenge and maintained a narrow lead.

The three quarters were reached in 1:24.4. At the top of the stretch Montrell Teague and Crystal Fashion had the
leader Northern Express in their sights. In the deep stretch, Crystal Fashion powered past Northern Express and
won by a head in 1:53.2. They paid $6.40 for the win.

Crystal Fashion (Cantab Hall), a recent purchase, rewarded its new owner EVM Racing LLC of Middletown, Delaware with a win. Chuck Crissman Jr. trained. Northern Express fought gallantly but finished second for trainer Arty Foster Jr and his son driver Russell Foster. Swansea sat in the pocket but could not gain on the leader. Scott
DiDomenico trained and Tim Tetrick drove.

Corey Callahan had 5 wins on the betting card.

A rare phenomenon occurred in the 3rd race. There was a triple dead heat for place. Sharing in the photo were Sweet Gisele, Sasha’s Legacy and Rewrite The Stars. Racing continues on Wednesday with a $1,447.23 pick 4 carryover. Soho Burning Love A, tackles Scuola Hanover in the Mares Open Pace.

Post Time at Dover Downs is 4:30 pm.

For full race results, click here.

by Alex Kraszewski, for Dover Downs