Venerable romps in $130,700 Matron Stakes

Unlike her last performance when she broke stride and finished 7^th in her Breeders Crown elimination heat two weeks ago, Venerable returned to winning harness racing form at Dover Downs Thursday, wiring the field to win the $130,700 Matron Stakes for two-year-old trotting fillies in a romp.

With driver David Miller in the sulky, Venerable left from post six and was able to take command before the first quarter in :27.3 with HL Revina (Montrell Teague) sitting the two-hole seat.

With no early challenges, Venerable led with ease to the half mile in :57.1. In the backstretch, Missy Trix (Dexter Dunn) came first-over and by the three-quarters in 1:25.3, was able to drop in the two-hole behind Venerable, who was then three lengths in front of the field turning for home.

Pulling away from the field coming down the stretch, Venerable went on to win going away by six and one-half lengths in 1:54.3. I’m Happy Hour (Brian Sears) closed to be second with HL Revina third.

It was the ninth win in ten career starts for Venerable. The daughter of Walner, trained by R. Nifty Norman for owners Dave McDuffee, Hartman, Borodogna and Arnold. She paid just $2.10 to win as the overwhelming 1/9 favorite.

VENERABLE REPLAY

“She looked pretty much like she was the best in there,” said driver David Miller. “To avoid any problems, I just put her on the front end. She has been pretty much impressive all year. She has been strong throughout the summer.”

For full race results, click here.

By Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink