Key has 2 wins, 1 second in Matron action

Owner Bob Key had a big Sunday at Dover as he won two Matron events and finished second in another. The program started out well for the Pennsylvania breeder-owner as his 2-year-old trotting colt Text Winner, a son of Tom Ridge, scored in 1:56.3. A few races later his top 3-year-old trotting filly Win Missy B finished second to Personal Banner in 1:53.2. Then Twilight Banner, a 2-year-old pacing colt bred by Key, won his event in 1:51.

 

In the 2-Year-Old Colt Pace, Yannick Gingras got Dedi's Dragon away quickly and led until late in the lane holdingon for second. Sir Cary's Z Tam, winner of last week's elimination, saw his two-race win streak end, finishing third. Twilight Bonfire's 1:51 is a lifetime best. Trained by Danny Collins, he ends his rookie season with earnings of $257,848.

 

Text Winner, the longshot in the 2-Year-Old Colt Trot field at 12-1, came on strongly with a :28.3 final quarter with Ron Pierce driving for trainer Charlie Norris. Early leader Sand Royal Blu, a Matron Preview winner, finish second in front of San Donato and John Campbell. Program favorite Caveat Emptor (Tim Tetrick) broke stride early and was never a factor. The winner's half of the $159,675 gave Text Winner, a son of Tom Ridge, his biggest paycheck, raising his bankroll to $101,478.

 

Mel Hartman and Brittany Farm's Personal Style, reined by David Miller, overtook race-favorite Win Missy B, with Pierce, in the closing strides to give the YankeeGlide-Foxy Victory filly win number four this year. She has now won $639,949 this season and $707,399 in her career. Cowgirl Hall was third with Tim Tetrick in the bike.

 

In other Matron Stakes action, Royal Assets won the 2-Year-Old Filly Trot in 1:55, scoring by 1 1/4 lengths for trainer Ray Schnittker. In the 2-Year-Old Filly Pace, Somwherovrarainbow continued to show her maturity by winning in 1:51.3 over Live Entertainment, the half sister to top female See You At Peelers.

 

Somwherovrarainbow blew away her opposition to with the$160,650 filly pace with Montrell Teague in the bike for a 1:51.3 triumph,two-fifths off the track record. The daughter of 2004 Horse of the Year RainbowBlue won for the seventh time this year in 11starts and only once off theboard. Owned by breeders K&R Racing and trainer George Teague, along withTed Gewertz, the filly has now banked $527,156 this season.

 

Ron Burke and Burke Racing Stable, came through with victory in the $123,939 Matron Filly Pace. Darena Hanover, driven by Gingras, raced away to the lead and led the rest of a 1:50.4 mile, holding off fast- finishing Marty Party and Pierce in a tight photo. The win was the third straight and eighth of the year for the Jugette winner, a Yankee Cruiser-Dashaway Hanover bay. Shelliscape was third with John Campbell in the bike. Darena Hanover is a $428,088 winning soph. She has won $526,802 lifetime for Burke Racing Stable. (Dover)