Melvin G beats top rival for DSBF sweep

DOVER, Del. — After winning his six previous starts by a combined 26 lengths, Melvin G (E L Platinum-Jersey Punk) withstood the toughest test of his rookie stakes harness racing campaign in the form of Legend Of Rock, whom he held off by a half length to win Tuesday’s (Nov. 26) $110,000 Delaware Standardbred Breeders’ Fund championship for 2-year-old male trotters at Bally’s Dover and complete a series sweep.

Sent off the 1-20 favorite for a seventh consecutive start, Melvin G and driver Jim Morand left from post seven and worked to clear Yale (driven by Art Stafford Jr.) just upon entering the first turn. The gelding was in complete control well before the end of a :28.1 first quarter, and he coasted unopposed through middle splits of :58.1 and 1:28.2 before facing a stern first-over challenge from 27-1 shot Legend Of Rock (Corey Callahan), who began his ascent from fourth with three-eighths of the mile remaining.

Legend Of Rock worked into level terms with Melvin G off the home turn but was rebuffed in mid-stretch as Melvin G responded to secure victory in 1:57.4. Legend Of Rock maintained second; Yale was a one-paced third from the pocket, another three-quarters of a length back.

Les Givens trains Melvin G, who now has won seven of 10 starts and earned $162,437 for the partnership of Nanticoke Racing and breeder Legacy Racing of Delaware. He paid $2.10 to win.