DOVER, Del.---- Bestofthebunch and Leyden, both three-year-olds, scored lifetime-fastest victories in co-feature events for young horses amid a light snow- shower on Sunday, March 16 at Dover Downs.
Veteran Ron Pierce rushed Bestofthebunch out from post 8 to get the lead and lead eight followers on the way to a lifetime record 1:53.3 victory in the first of the Delaware $9,500 3,4&5-Year-Old Male paces. Trish Foulk trains the Artistic Fella-Terina’s Best gelding that has now won three races with two seconds in five 2014 starts for owner Foulk Stables. Public Enemy (Ross Wolfenden) closed from the back to finish second edging Sounds Like Sam (Trace Tetrick).
Leyden, an altered son of Quik Pulse Mindale-Staying Power, bred, owned and trained by William Moffett, also lowered his personal record, scoring a come-from-behind 1:54.2 success in the other dash for young pacers. Thetruthaboutdavid (Montrell Teague) led until the closing strides and finished second. Martz Creek Perry (Pierce) came on for show money.
A pair of sophomores sired by Total Truth gave trainer Ben Stafford and Ben Stafford Jr. an early double. Ucanthandlethetruth, bred and co-owned by Only Money Inc. and partner Joel and Diane Halpern, led off the card. Joel Halpern bred and owns the other winner, A True Smerk, who won her seasonal debut in 1:58.3.
Joan Hamstead’s homebred Fast Back Eddie was the longshot of the day. Off at 21-1, Jim Morand drove the John Wilkerson trainee to a new record, 1:55.3 win.
Three drivers had two wins apiece, Ron Pierce, Ben Stafford Jr., and Ross Wolfenden who drove two winners for trainer Joe Hundertpfund.
Spend It All makes her first start of the season meeting Jeremes Sweetheart Gottaseeaboutagirl and Paradise Lost in the $20,000 Mares Open Handicap, the Monday feature race.
Monday through Thursday post time is 4:30 p.m. There is no live racing on Fridays and Saturdays. Sunday racing begins at 5:30 p.m. To watch races and dine in the Winner’s Circle restaurant, call 302-674-4600 for reservations.
There is no charge for parking or admission when visiting Dover Downs. Leading harness and thoroughbred simulcasts are featured from 12 Noon until 12 Midnight in the Dover Downs Race and Sports Book.