DOVER, Del. — Use Your Noodle won the fastest of two $20,000 Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund (DSBF) second-leg two-year-old filly pace prelims after Apple Bottom Jeans opened the program with a victory. Tough Mac returned to the winner's circle romping in the $20,000 Open Handicap trot at Dover Downs on Wednesday, Nov. 18.
Jim Morand left quickly with Use Your Noodle for trainer Les Givens and owners Henry Faragalli III, Art Feeney, Trevor Johnson and Nanticoke Racing. After leading the rest of the 1:54.1 mile before holding off a late charge at the wire. Mortgage Bags (Eddie Dennis) closed strongly from the far outside turning down the lane to shade Fiftyshadesofrusty (George Dennis) by a long nose for his first $20,000 DSBF prelim victory. The daughter of Artzina-LoGophobia filly posted her third win of the year with six seconds in 10 stats. She has banked $45,761 in her rookie year.
Apple Bottom Jeans, winner of the Harrington $100,000 DSBF Final, won for the third straight time and fourth in five races with Montrell Teague orchestrating a wire-to-wire 1:55.4 triumph in her $20,000 prelim. The black filly by Mr. Apples-Scylla Hanover now has won $85,000 for her owner-trainer Kevin Switzer. Eternal Ring (Jonathan Roberts) saw his two-win streak come to a close with a second-place finish. Cougar Creek (Vic Kirby) closed strongly to take third.
The stage is now set for next Wednesday, when the top eight point-getters return for the $100,000 DSBF Final.
The $20,000 Open Handicap trot was all Tough Mac driven by Corey Callahan. The altered son of Lockkeeper-Traditional Lady won for the 10th time this campaign for trainer Dylan Davis and owner Mike Casalino. He has now won $120,255 in purse this year and $$246,199 lifetime. Prayer Session (Roberts), in new hands after being claimed for $25,000 a week ago, challenged Tough Mac on the outside heading to the final turn, but had to settle for second. Last week's winner Spunky Jack (Roger Plante) was third.
Meet leading driver Corey Callahan had a four-bagger., Trainer Dylan Davis haltered three winners while Jim Morand drove two wins. .
The first of the four $100,000 DSBF finals showcases the freshman male pacers in the Thursday feature race.
Monday through Thursday racing begins at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday are dark live racing days at Dover Downs Two $20,000 DSBF freshman colt 2nd leg pace prelims and an $18,000 Open trot tops the Monday card.
A $5,000 Guaranteed Pick-4 Pool is now featured daily. By popular request, the Winner's Circle Buffet is back for those dinning in the Winner's Circle Restaurant.
At Dover Downs, there is no charge for parking and admission. Harness and thoroughbred simulcasts is available daily from 12 Noon until 12 Midnight. Reservations are suggested for the Winner's Circle Restaurant and for those planning to stay at the 4-star Dover Downs Hotel. Call 302-674-4600.
by Marv Bachrad, for Dover Downs