When Dovescry beats Atlanta in Miss Versatility Series fifth round

East Rutherford, NJ – When Dovescry won Saturday’s (July 31) $40,000 fifth round of the Miss Versatility Series for older female harness racing trotters, beating Atlanta by a neck in 1:50.4 at The Meadowlands Racetrack. Weslynn Quest finished third.

The 12-horse field was reduced by one when Ab’sattitudexpress was scratched.

Weslynn Quest got the early lead and led to an opening quarter of :27.2. When Dovescry, who was battling for the lead, got to the front just past the quarter but soon saw Next Level Stuff brush to the top spot and take the field to the half in :55.2.

On the final turn, Morairtime, who started from the second tier in post 11, challenged Next Level Stuff for the lead and they reached three-quarters together in 1:23.1. Atlanta, who started from post 12, was second-over behind Morairtime and charged into the stretch looking for the lead. When Dovescry needed room and found it in mid-stretch to power to the front and rebuff even-money favorite Atlanta.

WHEN DOVESCRY REPLAY

“I was happy to follow (Next Level Stuff); I figured she would take me into the stretch,” winning driver David Miller said. “(Morairtime) was on the outside and was still right there at the head of the lane. Right there, I thought, oh, boy. But (Next Level Stuff) drifted and I was able to get up the inside.

“I was impressed, whenever you beat Atlanta. She is probably one of the greatest trotting mares I’ve been around. She’s pretty special. I’m very proud of my mare, she’s a really good horse. She’s pretty special herself. She had a lot of trot. I’ve been racing her on the front, and she’s good that way, but they always appreciate a trip. She was really good that way.”

Miller drove When Dovescry for trainer Brett Pelling and owner John Lengacher. When Dovescry, by Muscle Hill out of Cedar Dove, was bred by William Weaver III. The 5-year-old mare has won 15 of 36 career races and earned $1.23 million. She was the 2019 Hambletonian Oaks champion.

Sent off at 2-1, When Dovescry paid $6.80 to win.

For full race results, click here.

by Ken Weingartner, for the USTA