Among 18 fast and seasoned sophomore colts set for two $35,287 Matron Stakes eliminations Monday at Dover Downs are the Progress Pace champion, Breeders Crown finalists and major stakes winners.
In one of the elims, The Cheyenne Gangs' Ghee's House, upset winner of the $350,900 Progress Pace last month driven by Brian Sears drew the outside post eight. Also in the race are Breeders Crown contenders Forensic Z Tam and Hot Rod Mindale.
The rest of the nine-horse field includes Kenneth J, a $943,315 winner this year, TJ's Ideal, Arts Mattjesty, Lindy's Bandit, Springlake Artist and Reserve Forces.
Three of the starters in the second $35,287 Matron section were impressive winners last week: Rusty's For Real, Takeshigemichi and Big Business, a $295,000 purchase at the recent Harrisburg sale. Also starting is another high-priced buy, Glass Pack, as well as Breeders Crown runner-up Watta Hotshot.
Not to be overlooked are Tivoli Hanover, winner of a James B. Dancer Memorial Pace, Honky Tonk Hanover, the 2006 Dan Patch Award winning colt Artzina and Jim's Guy, a lightly raced colt this season.
The first four finishers in each of the two Matron elims return the following Monday for an estimated $215,000 final. (edited from Dover)