Daburg destroys DSBF distaffers

DOVER, Del. — After finishing second to Going Platinum in last month’s Delaware Standardbred Breeders’ Fund series final at Harrington Raceway, Daburg (Anders Bluestone-Comical Dream) got back to her winning ways on Monday (Nov. 6) at Bally’s Dover, kicking off the Dover DSBF harness racing series with a commanding 1:59.1 win in the first of three $20,000 opening-round preliminary divisions for 2-year-old trotting fillies.

Now a four-time winner in five starts, Daburg and driver Pat Berry settled behind early pacesetter Gavelhigh (driven by Kim Vincent) through a :29.1 first quarter before brushing to the lead with a lap to go. Daburg opened a three-length lead past the :58.3 half and steadily widened her advantage to 8-1/2 lengths over eventual runner-up Chinco Mayo (Robert White), who sustained a first-over grind to wear down Gavelhigh through the far turn. Little Silver (Ross Shand) finished third.

Traci Berry trains Daburg, who has now earned $62,050, for J. Craparotta and P. Berry Racing LLC.

Harrington champion Going Platinum (E L Platinum-Nitroglide Hanover, $2.80) found her way back to the winner’s circle by way of a 2:00.3 front-end score in the third division. Corey Callahan rated the filly through a 1:00.2 first half before bracing for a mild first-over challenge from Luvyas Nugget (Victor Kirby) up the backstretch. Going Platinum repelled her outside challenger before evading pocket rival Rip Away (Cody Poliseno) by 2-1/4 lengths; Luvyas Nugget faded to third.

Nick Callahan trains two-time winner Going Platinum, who has banked $88,499 in 10 starts, for Dolly Callahan’s Breakaway Racing.

GOING PLATINUM REPLAY

Lovie’s Place (E L Platinum-Mocha, $11.80) completed the trio of first-round winners with a 2:02 score in the second division for owner-trainer Bobby Glassmeyer.

Ross Wolfenden protected pole position with the filly, forcing Wolfpack Wilma (Callahan) into the pocket through a :29.2 first quarter before outlasting a stern first-over challenge from Pickin Lilies (Jason Thompson) through middle splits of 1:01.4 and 1:31.1 before shrugging off that foe on the far turn and keeping Wolfpack Wilma 1-1/4 lengths at bay. Platinum Proposal (Jim Morand), sent the 3-5 favorite, circled stalled cover to save third.

Lovie’s Place, now a two-time winner in four career starts, has earned $27,100.

LOVIE’S PLACE REPLAY

Two-year-old trotting colts and geldings commence their Dover DSBF series Tuesday (Nov. 7), with 14 entrants divided into a pair of $20,000 first-round events. First post is 4:30 p.m. EST.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

From the Delaware Standardbred Breeders’ Fund