Starlit Eyes, fresh from a wire-to-wire victory in last week's $20,000 preliminary, and overlooked at 18-1, completed the same mission from post eight in the $100,000 Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund (DSBF)Three-Year-Old Filly Trot Final on Tuesday at Dover Downs. Starlit Eyes scored in 1:58.3. Outside starting fillies left fast with Starlit Eyes, handled by Ross Wolfenden, emerging with the lead and race favorite Country Romance, reined by Allan Davis, sitting second, in front of Luscious Leigh and John Wagner, from post seven. Podium (Dylan Davis), who had a win and a second in prelims, was also on the move, but broke stride on the first turn and never became a factor.
Starlit Eyes continued to cut out the fractions as Luscious Leigh came to the outside as challengers stacked up turning down the homestretch. Country Romance, the public choice, finally was able to rush along the passing lane, but could get no further than a head back of Starlit Eyes. LusciousLeigh held on for third.
Jeff Franklin bred Starlit Eyes, a daughter of CR Commando, from his mare Call Me Hazel. Winbak Farm and trainer Steve LeBlanc share ownership in the new DSBF champion, a first-time winner.
Three drivers made the winner's circle two times: Corey Callahan, Allan Davis and Brad Hanners.
The third of four $100,000 DSBF finals, featuring three-year-old colt and gelding trotters, top a trot-filled Wednesday program. (Dover)
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