Legacy Racing of Delaware and Nanticoke Racing’s Melvin G extended his winning streak to six on Tuesday (Nov. 19) at Bally’s Dover with a commanding performance in the second round of the Delaware Standardbred Breeders’ Fund (DSBF) series for two-year-old male trotters. The gelding cruised to a decisive five-length victory, clocking 1:57.2 in the faster of two $28,169 divisions.
With two rivals breaking stride at the start, Melvin G and driver Jim Morand faced only three competitors. They quickly claimed the lead, relegating Perfect Suprise (Pat Berry) to the pocket through an opening quarter in :29. After a controlled half in :58.4, Melvin G accelerated away, extending his margin to 2-1/2 lengths at the three-quarter mark in 1:28 and crossing the finish line well in hand. Legend Of Rock (Corey Callahan) finished second with a late surge, while Perfect Suprise settled for third.
Trained by Les Givens, the son of E L Platinum out of Jersey Punk has now earned $146,382 in nine starts, with six wins. Sent off as the 1-20 favourite, Melvin G paid $2.10 to win.
Yale Holds On in Second Division
The second division saw Yale, a second-time starter trained and driven by Art Stafford Jr., secure a narrow victory in 1:58.4. After finishing third to Melvin G last week, Yale worked hard early to clear Wolfpack Cheddar (Corey Callahan) past a :28.4 opening quarter. Sitting in the pocket through the middle stages, Yale rallied past Wolfpack Cheddar and held off a strong late challenge from Chex Check (Tony Morgan) to win. Bucky Highway (Pat Berry) finished third.
Competing as a homebred for Stacy Johnson-Stafford, Yale paid $6.00 as the 2-1 second choice.
DSBF Series Final Lineup Confirmed
With the second round complete, the following horses have qualified for the $110,000 DSBF series final on Nov. 26:
- Melvin G
- Yale
- Wolfpack Cheddar
- Chex Check
- Bucky Highway
- Legend Of Rock
- Delaware Exactly
- Perfect Suprise
Chapheart Shines in Open Trot
In the $35,211 Open Trot, Chapheart overcame early interference to claim a decisive two-length victory in 1:53.1. The five-year-old Chapter Seven gelding, owned by Michael Casalino Jr. and Dylan Davis Racing, battled past Herodotus (Pat Berry) in the stretch to secure the win. Herodotus settled for second, while Outside The Fire finished third. Chapheart paid $9.20 to win under the guidance of Pat Berry.
Upcoming Highlights
- The second round of the two-year-old pacing filly DSBF series begins Wednesday (Nov. 20) with three divisions.
- The Mares Open Pace featuring Majorca N and Incaseyoudidntknow is set for Wednesday as well.
- The Progress Pace elimination, drawing 11 entrants, will take place Thursday (Nov. 21). The $250,000 final is scheduled for Nov. 27.
Racing continues at Bally’s Dover Monday through Thursday with a first post time of 4:30 p.m. (EST).