Three across the wire

Sir Perseverance had the longest nose in a three-horse, 1:54 photo finish, taking the $199,013 Matron Stakes 3-Year-Old Colt & Gelding Trot final over Strong Yankee and Vivid Photo Wednesday night at Dover Downs.



Just as in the $66,337 elimination a week go, Sir Perseverance, bred and owned by Al Libfeld, Marvin Katz and Sam Goldband, well-know Ontario horsemen, drew the rail and enjoyed a perfect, well-timed trip from George Brennan on the way breaking his own track record for a sophomore gelding trotter set a week ago of 1:54.4.



Brennan protected the rail with Sir Perseverance and made Strong Yankee and Brian Sears work to take control of the race. Strong Yankee cleared just past the quarter and enjoyed a very brief breather to the :56.3 half before being challenged.



Roger Hammer moved Vivid Photo off the pylons and flushed out cover in the form of Musclesextrodiair, with Brad Hanners driving. Around the last turn Strong Yankee was tested by Vivid Photo, and again through the stretch drive.



Brennan took advantage of the passing lane and inched up with every step, catching the battling pair in the final stride with his nose in front at the wire. Strong Yankee had to settle for second while Vivid Photo was another nose back in third. Musclesextrodinair and Smooth Muscles (Mike Wilder) took the fourth and fifth place payoffs.



Sir Perseverance was entered in the Standardbred Horse Sale to be sold, but was withdrawn. With the Matron purse the Self Possessed gelding has now won $500,417 this season.

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