Gaitway Gal completes sibling sire stakes double

DOVER, Del. — Much like her little brother, Gaitway Guy, did in the November Delaware Standardbred Breeders’ Fund series for rookie pacing colts and geldings, the GTY Stable’s homebred Gaitway Gal (Delmarvalous-Brussels Hanover) swept through the fall DSBF series for 3-year-old harness racing pacing fillies, capping that sweep with a 1:55.3 win in Wednesday’s (Dec. 14) $100,000 divisional championship at Bally’s Dover.

Pat Berry floated Gaitway Gal into third early while 36-1 long shot Odds On Surfer Gal (driven by Corey Callahan) strode clear from post seven to control a :27.3 first quarter. Gaitway Gal brushed to the fore with a lap to go and controlled a :56.1 half before fending off a stout first-over challenge from 2-5 favorite Shabby Chic (Tim Tetrick) through three-quarters in 1:25.4.

After shrugging off Shabby Chic’s challenge through the far turn, Gaitway Gal asserted herself in the stretch and won by 3-1/2 widening lengths. Shabby Chic preserved second; Odds On Surfer Gal maintained third after gapping the pocket behind the backstretch duel.

Gaitway Gal has now won 11 of 18 career starts and has banked $227,304. Jeff Smith trains the filly, who paid $5.20 to win as the 8-5 second choice.

GAITWAY GAL REPLAY

In the $20,000 consolation, Smokey’s Passion (Roddy’s Bags Again-Ash Larue) won gate-to-wire in 1:57.2, defeating Spin Girlfrin’ by a widening three lengths. Tony Morgan drove the filly, who paid $3.60 to win, for owner Jeffery Clark and trainer Eric Davis.

SMOKEY’S PASSION REPLAY

The 2022 DSBF season culminates Thursday (Dec. 15) with the $100,000 championship event for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings, carded as the 10th race on a 14-race card at Bally’s Dover. First post is 4:30 p.m.

For complete race results, click here.

From the Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund