Navy Blue completes DSBF prelim sweep

DOVER, Del. — Art Stafford Jr. and Wyatt Starkey’s Navy Blue (Anders Bluestone-Overnight Hit) lived up to his 1-20 favoritism for the second consecutive week in the Delaware Standardbred Breeders’ Fund (DSBF) series for 3-year-old male harness racing trotters at Bally’s Dover, posting a comfortable 1:58.4 win in his $20,000 second-round division on a rainy Tuesday (Dec. 6).

Stafford, who also trains and drove the gelding, took his time in the early stages, allowing Snow Burst (driven by Allan Davis) and Wolfpack Russ (Corey Callahan) to duel before brushing Navy Blue from third and clearing for the lead just past a :29 quarter.

From that point, Navy Blue faced nary a challenge, coasting through middle splits of :59.1 and 1:29.1 and opening up a five-length lead on the final turn. Stafford then took Navy Blue in hand through the stretch to win by a geared-down 1-1/2 lengths over Snow Burst. Sunset Sail (Tony Morgan) improved gradually up the backstretch to take third.

Navy Blue, now an 11-time winner with $167,986 in lifetime earnings, paid $2.10 across the board.

NAVY BLUE REPLAY

The other division winner, Big Daddy D (Dusty Winner-Do We Lindy), also won in 1:58.4 off a third-to-first move, but it took the gelding and driver Cody Poliseno much longer to clear the lead, grinding first-over through a :57.1 half before wearing down and clearing Embrace The Stone (Tim Tetrick) midway up the backstretch.

Despite slowing considerably in the stretch, Big Daddy D held his ground to stave off a wide rally from Tua (Montrell Teague) by three-quarters of a length. LG’s Reed O Wen (Jim Morand) preserved third after losing cover nearing the far turn.

Carlo Poliseno trains seven-time winner Big Daddy D, who returned $4.60, for owner-breeder Jane Dunavant.

BIG DADDY D REPLAY

Navy Blue and Big Daddy D secured spots in next Tuesday’s (Dec. 13) $100,000 DSBF series final, along with JAs Bluestone, LG’s Reed O Wen, Snowburst, Tua, Sunset Sail and Embrace The Stone.

Also on the card, Mississippi Storm (Cantab Hall) rolled to victory in the $25,000 Open Handicap Trot.

Mississippi Storm and driver Victor Kirby knew they had to be near the lead to be successful.  Speed held up well over the sloppy racetrack throughout the evening.

Mississippi Storm floated off the gate and was able to settle into 5th trotting to the first turn. Northern Express and Crystal Fashion were quickest off the gate.  Northern Express was able to ease into the pocket.

Crystal Fashion, the even odds betting favorite, was able to seize control of the racetrack and the lead, passing the quarter in a snappy 27.2.  The half was reached in 57.1 as Mississippi Storm angled to the outside and inched his way into contention down the back stretch and coverless. Star Razor followed second-over. The three quarters were reached in 1:26.1.

Crystal Fashion dug in and braced for the relentless charge of Mississippi Storm.  In the stretch, Mississippi Storm wore down Crystal Fashion and won by a length in 1:56.  He paid $6.80 for the win. It was his third victory, in his last four starts at Bally’s Dover.

MISSISSIPPI STORM REPLAY

Mississippi Storm is owned by Joseph E. Smith of Florida and is trained by Tom Fanning. Northern Express benefitted from the pocket trip and closed along the pylons to finish second for trainer Arty Foster Jr.  Russell Foster drove. Secret Jet sat in and finished 3rd for trainer Tyler Davis.  Allan Davis drove. Crystal Fashion, the even odds betting favorite faded and finished 7th.

Art Stafford, Jr won three races on the betting card.

Racing continues at Ballys’ Dover on Wednesday. Post Time is 4:30 pm.

Three-year-old pacing fillies contest their second DSBF preliminary on Wednesday (Dec. 7), with two $20,000 divisions kicking off a 14-race card. First post is 4:30 p.m.

For complete race results, click here.

From the Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund