DOVER, Del.— It was a big Spoonful, driven by Jim Morand to win the $100,000 Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund (DSBF) Two-Year-Old Filly Trot Final at Dover Downs on Wednesday, Nov. 23. Muscerene win the $20,000 Open Handicap trot. Harness racing driver Yannick Gingras had a driving triple.
Trained by Les Givens, the all-time leading trainer in the DSBF program, Spoonful, a daughter of Political Briefing-Sanctions, overtook race-favorite Luv Is Blind (Vic Kirby) in a fast dash down the stretch to win for the second straight time and fourth victory with three seconds and two thirds in 13 lifetime starts for owners Delbert Cain and Nanticoke Racing. She now has won $104,512 in her rookie season. Luv Is Blind held second in front of Political Energy (Corey Callahan).
Dusty Fool won the $20,000 DSBF consolation as trainer-driver Carlo Poliseno never looked back after taking the early lead. Jane Dunavent bred and owns the sire and dam of the Dusty Winner-Cashmere gelding. Black Magic Mist (Art Stafford Jr.) was second. KJs Commando (Jared Moyer) was third.
On the regular card, Muscerene returned to the track where she had success last Spring, to lower his lifetime record two seconds to 1:53.4. Tony executed the winning drive pulling to the outside to follow Spunky Jack who zipped past early leader Skates N Plates Kirby nearing the last turn. Muscerene, owned and trained by Antonio Buttitta, came alongside Spunky Jack (Roger Plante), and then drew away for his seventh win of the season. The Muscle Hill-Queen Serene gelding has now won $46,625 in 2016. War Cry Hall (Tim Tetrick) edged Spunky Jack for second.
In a $15,000 4&5-Year-Old Winners-Over Handicap, Stake Your Claim Stable and and Martin Sternberg's Uva Hanover, trained by Linda Toscano with Vic Kirby driving were strongest in the stretch as the Cantab Hall-Up Front Laura gelding stormed past the leaders for a victory. I Like My Boss (Allan Davis) raced tough to finish second with Bluebird Reverend (Montrell Teague) a fast-finishing third.
Yannick Gingras led all drivers with three wins, Vic Kirby and Jonathan Roberts had two wins each.
Check Six and Manhattan Beach, winners of the two $35,000 eliminations last week, lead eight fast three-year-olds to post in the $314,600 Hap Hansen Progress Pace Final on Monday (11/29).
Monday through Thursday, post time is 4:30 p.m. Dover Downs is dark on Fridays. Saturdays and Sundays this meet.
Plan to watch live racing from the Winner's Circle Restaurant where reservations are suggested. Call 302-674-4600. There is no charge for parking or admission at Dover Downs. Simulcasting of top harness and thoroughbred racing in the Dover Downs Sports Book, daily from 12 Noon to 12 Midnight.
Dover Downs-its management, staff and horseman-wish one and all a happy Thanksgiving.
Marv Bachrad