DOVER, Del. —- Delaware or Delaware Valley owned outright, in harness racing partnerships or those connected are prominent in the rich Matron Stakes three-year-old division on Thursday, Nov. 12 at Dover Downs.
Among the four lucrative sophomore divisions, highlight of Dover Downs' "Novemberfest of Stakes." Is the rubber-match between top-rated horse in the weekly poll, $1.9-million winner, Wiggle It Jiggleit, and another top 10 performer, $1.2-million winner, Wakizashi Hanover. Both super speedsters train in the Harrington, Del.-area. In the $201,900 Matron Colt pace, each own one win over the other.
George Teague Inc., of Houston, Del., owns world champion Wiggle It Jiggleit, a winner of nearly $2-million while JoAnn King conditions Wakizashi Hanover, a winner of nearly $1.3-million in purses.
Ironically, in the Matron Final, four of the eight starters in the classic pace boast Delaware ownership. Ralph, Roz and Doug Paul, racing under the stable name of M&L of Delaware, and their Greenville neighbor, Victoria Dickinson, own the fast Dude's The Man, to be driven by Dover Downs perennial leader Corey Callahan, and Yankee Bounty, owned in part by Harrington entrepreneur Frank Chick, who drew outside post 8.
In other Matron Stakes, Bob and Norm Aerenson's Rojan Stables of Wilmington, Del., is both a partner in the outstanding Breeders Crown winning filly Divine Caroline, and stablemate Bettor Be Steppin. They are both trained by University of Delaware grad, trainer Joe Holloway, and race in the $201,450 Matron three-year-old filly pace.
In the $243,550 Matron Colt trot, Johannsen, Case and trainer Bobby Reeser own Bluebird Reverend, in the money 16 of 19 races this season. Also, in the event is Crescent Fashion, co-owned by Philadelphian, Howard Taylor, one of the sport's leading owners.
Judy Taylor of Bala Cynwyd, Pa. and son Howard Taylor, own a share in I'm So Fancy racing for $187,400 purse in the Matron Filly Trot.
There are two $25,000 Matron consolations. Al Moor of Smyrna starts Royal Status while Marvin Moss of Philadelphia and trainer Leigh Raymer of Smyrna, Del. are partners in Monopoly Blue Chip racing in the Matron pace consolation.
In the Matron Filly consolation, Blueberry Billy Augustine of Hammonton, N.J. owns Frost Damage Blues.
Post time for the 15-race Thursday card at Dover Downs is 4:30 p.m. There is no charge for parking or admission. The Winner's Circle Restaurant features an outstanding buffet. Call 302/674-4600 for reservations.
Marv Bachrad