Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund (DSBF) 2-year-old pacers completed their 2nd leg of eliminations Monday at Harrington Raceway in a trio of $20,000 divisions.
Nanticoke Racing, Henry Faragalli III and Arthur Feeney’s Beachalator ($5.80, Brandon Givens) was a 1:58.3 winner in the first division over See Jack Run and Blackjack Party. The Highalator ridgling improved on his 3rd place finish from his round one elimination, setting the pace in a hard-fought win that saw him stave off a stubborn charge late from runner See Jack Run. Trained by Les Givens, it was his second career win.
Forrest Bartlett’s Hawaiian Warfare ($2.40, Mike Cole) continued an impressive start to his career with his 6th win in 7 career starts in 1:55.3, as the fastest elimination winner on the night. The US Captain gelding charged down the passing lane late to nab his 6th consecutive victory for trainer Erin Neilson. Bootcamp Baby was second with He’s Soaring third.
The final DSBF split went to Richard Dylan Havens’ Blue Jay’s Watchin ($6, Tony Morgan) in 1:56.3 over favorite Aeneas and Crown Apple Beach. The He’s Watching gelding outkicked the race favorite in deep stretch for his 2nd career win for trainer Daniel Gassien.
The top 8 point earners from the eliminations will return to compete in the $110,000 final on October 12.
Meanwhile, Evm Racing’s Wehadababyetzaboy ($2.40, Brandon Givens) won the overnight feature, the $22,500 Open in 1:51.3. The 7-year-old Sweet Lou gelding continued to dominate the Open ranks with a powerful front-end score despite post 8 for trainer Chuck Crissman Jr. Primo Maschio was second with Steven’s Saloon third.
In the sub-featured $18,000 Open II, George and Tina Dennis’ Back Pocket Miki ($3.60, Mike Cole) was a 1:52 winner for trainer Joe Columbo. The same connections combined to win the next race with Aloha Blue Chip in 1:54.2 to give Cole 3 wins on the card. Brandon Givens also had a driving triple.
Live racing will continue on a Monday through Wednesday schedule until October 21.