Heinikin Bythebay secures $100,000 DSBF final threepeat

DOVER, Del. — Neither rain nor gloom of night could deter KDK Standardbreds’ homebred Heinikin Bythebay (Southwind Lynx-Sally Pansen) from capturing his third Delaware Standardbred Breeders’ Fund title, finishing a sweep of the December series at Bally’s Dover for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings with a 1:53.2 win in Thursday’s (Dec. 15) $100,000 championship.

Ds Heartland and driver Art Stafford Jr. pushed to the fore early from post six, but Heinikin Bythebay and Tim Tetrick made their way to the lead just after the :26.4 first quarter after sitting patiently in the two-path through the first turn.

Once the gelding controlled the terms, it was lights out for his seven rivals. Heinikin Bythebay traveled uncontested through middle splits of :56.1 and 1:24.2 before using a :29 final quarter to gain 3-3/4 lengths of separation on eventual runner-up Bad And Boujee (driven by Tony Morgan), who escaped traffic to save second over the first-over Business Director (Pat Berry).

Kevin Switzer trains 15-time winner Heinikin Bythebay, who has earned $283,775 in his career.

HEINKIN BYTHEBAY REPLAY

Tetrick won the $20,000 DSBF consolation as well, putting I Roddy (Roddy’s Bags Again-I Turtle) into play first-over up the backstretch and collaring pacesetter It’spronounced Jif by a half a length in 1:56.1. Jason Skinner trains the gelding, a four-time winner who returned $7.00 to win, for owners and breeders Susan Camac and Susan Skinner.

Incaseyoudidntknow (Always B Miki) won the $28,500 Blue Hen Open Handicap Pace.

Grand Cayman, launched quickest off the gate.  Mack also left but accepted the pocket trip racing to the quarter.

Grand Cayman was on a mission, as he set crisp race fractions into the wind and rain. The quarter was reached in 27 flat. The half  in 55.3 (28.3) and the three quarters in 1:23.3 (28.1)

Incaseyoudidntknow settled into 5th position before the quarter. She then followed the 3 wide cover provided by Island Of The Sea down the backstretch. Both were forced to move prematurely due to Metallica being parked the entire mile.

Incaseyoudidntknow circled four wide entering the lane and drove on to win by a neck in 1:51.4.  She paid $11.60 for the win

Incaseyoudidntknow, a four-year-old mare, is owned by James P Mango and Joseph Fonte both from Maryland.  Les Givens trained and Art Stafford Jr. drove. The win put her over $200,000 in career earnings.

Grand Cayman, the 8/5 betting favorite, cut the mile but was caught in the final stages and finished 2nd.  He is trained by Crissy Crissman-Bier. Tim Tetrick drove. Mack maintained pocket position throughout and finished 3rd for trainer Joe Columbo. Ross Wolfenden picked up the catch drive.

INCASEYOUDIDNTKNOW REPLAY

Driving triples on the card were earned by Tim Tetrick, Art Stafford Jr and Tony Morgan

The final night of live harness racing, before the traditional Christmas break, will take place on Monday December 19.  Bally’s Dover will be dark from Tuesday December 20th thru Monday December 26th.  Live racing will resume on Tuesday December 27.

For complete race results, click here.

From the Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund