DOVER, Del. — Sent off the overwhelming 1-20 favorite, Melvin G (E L Platinum) rolled to a lifetime-best 1:57.2 score — his fifth harness racing win in a row — in the second of two $20,000 Delaware Standardbred Breeders’ Fund (DSBF) first-round preliminary divisions for 2-year-old male trotters on Tuesday (Nov. 12) at Bally’s Dover.
In line to Jim Morand, Melvin G pushed forward from post seven at race’s outset and easily cleared Chex Check (driven by Tony Morgan) before completing a :28.3 first quarter. Once in control, the E L Platinum-Jersey Punk gelding maintained an uncontested lead throughout the mile, leading by as many as 4-1/2 lengths through middle splits of :57.4 and 1:27.3 and maintaining a 2-3/4-length advantage over Chex Check at the winning post. Yale (Art Stafford Jr.) rallied from far back to finish third.
MELVIN G REPLAY
Les Givens trains Melvin G, a five-time winner from eight starts with $97,437 in earnings, for Legacy Racing of Delaware and Nanticoke Racing. He paid $2.10 to win.
In the first division, Wolfpack Cheddar (Anders Bluestone-Filly Cheese Stake) and driver Corey Callahan evaded Bucky Highway (Pat Berry) by three lengths to break his maiden in 2:00.2. Delaware Xactly (Ross Wolfenden) finished third.
WOLFPACK CHEDDAR REPLAY
Nick Callahan trains the gelding, who paid $2.40 to win, for Stuart Chambers Racing, BCJM Inc. and Divine Horse Racing.
Wednesday’s (Nov. 13) program at Bally’s Dover features three $20,000 first-round preliminary divisions of the DSBF series for 2-year-old pacing fillies. First post for the 15-race card is 4:30 p.m. EST.
For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.