DOVER, Del.— Bags To Riches enjoyed a perfect 2-hole trip en route to ending Henry The Dragon's five-straight harness racing win streak to win the $100,000 Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund (DSBF) Dover Downs championship on Thursday, Nov. 17.
With Tim Tetrick at the controls, Bags To Riches left fast to get the early lead and gave way to prohibitive favorite unbeaten Henry The Dragon. Montrell Teague steered Henry The Dragon upfront challenged only by the Corey Callahan-driven James Isaac on the backstretch. The duo continued that way until turning for home when James Isaac retreated allowing Bags To Riches to come to the outside where he uncorked a :27.2 final corner to get up by a half-length in DSBF stakes record time of 1:51.1.
Bags To Riches was bred by Only Money Inc. who shares ownership in the Roddy's Bags Again -Pint The Sky Blue colt with trainer Jason Skinner. The win by freshman is his fourth in eight starts with two seconds and a third to bring his bankroll total to $86,862.
In the $20,000 DSBF Consolation, Wake Up And Go teamed with Corey Callahan for a 1:54 triumph coming from off the pace to pass Rat Tail (Montrell Teague) nearing the wire. It was the Roddy's Bags Again-Ima Early Riser colt's first lifetime victory after three seconds and two thirds in his ninth career effort. Suspinder (Allan Davis) finished third.
Montrell Teague and Allan Davis racked up four wins apiece while Tim Tetrick, Vic Kirby and Ross Wolfenden has two trips to the winner's circle.
Monday at Dover is a big pacing day. The $100,000 DSBF Colt Trot Final, two power-packed $35,000 Hap Hansen-Progress Pace eliminations, a $27,500 Delaware Special, an $18,000 and two $15,500 paces top the stellar card.
There is no Live Sunday racing this week. Monday through Thursday, post time is 4:30 p.m. Dover Downs is dark on Fridays. Saturdays and Sundays this meet.
For those planning to watch racing from the Winner's Circle Restaurant, reservations are suggested. Call 302-674-4600. . There is no charge for parking or admission at Dover Downs.
Marv Bachrad