Check Me Out overcame going off stride in mid first turn
the made up approximately 24-lengths to win the first of four Matron
Two-Year-Old Finals at Dover Downs on Saturday (Nov. 12) at Dover Downs.
Check Me Out eased away from the starting gate third with several horses on
the outside as the harness racing field reached the first turn.
Shortly after Check Me Out broke stride with Tetrick
bringing the filly to a halt, steadying her and then back
trotting with the trailing filly about two-dozen length
ahead. It took until mid backstretch before they could catch
the field.The daughter of Donato Hanover-Illusion
Bi was sent three wide picking up horses along the way. She
dashed down the lane with two horses to beat and caught them
with a short neck to spare in 1:58. Voluptuous Ronda (Ross
Wolfenden) finished second in front of Exercise To Go (David
Miller) third.
The win was the 14th in 16 races for owners Charles
Iannazzo and trainer Ray Schnittker. The victory ups her
seasonal bankroll to $900,619.
Randy Ringer’s Destiny’s Chance scored a head victory in
1:53 to take the $128,600 Matron frosh filly pace notching
her seventh win of the year and $287,178 earnings. Four
Starzzz Girl (Montrell) Teague) took second with fast
finishing Notreadytobenice (Mike Lachance) third.
Tim Tetrick, who won five races during the night, piloted
Heston Blue Chip home in 1:50.4 to win the $177,275 Matron
colt and gelding final. Tetrick made a quick move to take
the lead before the clubhouse turn and the sped away to his
11th win of the season in 13 races. The New York Sire Stake
champion held off fast closing Allstar Legend (Andy Miller)
and third place Steelhead Hanover (Joe Pavia) for the win.
Heston Blue Chip entered the Matron upon a $30,000
supplemental payment by owner Ken Jacobs. He now has won
$375,650 in 2011.
Pekoe Fashion enjoyed a perfect trip sitting behind
leader Delano until deep stretch when Tim Tetrick pulled the
Broadway Hall-Orange Pekoe homebred of
Jules Siegel’s Fashion Farm to the outside and then went on
for a 1:56.1 triumph. Southwin Austin (Andy Miler) got up to
finish second with Delano (Ray Schnittker) hold on for
third. Pekoe Fashion is not the winner of $226,900 this
season.
The $330,000 Progress Pace and three Matron sophomore
finals highlight the end of Dover Downs Million Dollar
weekend Sunday.
Saturday and Sunday racing begins at 5:30 p.m. Monday
through Thursday post time is 4:30 p.m. There is no racing
on Fridays. Simulcasting of top harness and thoroughbred
racing and NFL three-game parley wagering is available daily
from 12 Noon until 12 Midnight in the Racing and Sport Book
in the Colonnade. Admission and parking is free at Dover
Downs. Reservations are suggested for those wishing to dine
in the Winner’s Circle Restaurant.
