by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — The Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund begins its Dover Downs freshman stakes with two $20,000 preliminaries on Monday (Nov. 13). Post time is 4:30 p.m.

Both colt and gelding divisions begin the action. In the first race, owner-breeder George Leager’s Slick Tony drew the rail, putting a six win in eight races with two seconds record on the line. Russ Foster drives the colt in his first start since winning the $100,000 DSBF final at Harrington Raceway.

The George Teague stable starts Transitioning Joy, a homebred owned by George and his wife Joy. Montrell Teague drives the Clyde Francis-trained winner of three of five races from post six.

Not to be overlooked is JoAnn Looney-King’s Burn Brighter with Tim Tetrick after a 1:56.3 win last start, and Bay Pond Racing’s Own It with Allan Davis.

In the second $20,000 division, the King and Tetrick combination is the program favorite, with Evolution Tour boasting two wins and three seconds in five races. The opposition is led by Team Teague’s Mingo (Teague) and Bay Pond Racing’s America First (Jeff Fout).

Little Ben (Tetrick), racing for Janet Hudson and JoAnn Looney-King, is program favorite in the $11,000 sub-featured pace. Remember Me VK (Allan Davis) is a high speed rival in the nine-horse field.

Dover Downs now presents a 50-cent Pick-5 wager which starts with the second race through the sixth. A late daily double can be found on the 12th and 13th races.

Monday is also draw day for the lucrative Matron Stakes for 3-year-old trotting and pacing fillies and colts. The entry box is open from 9-10 a.m. To supplement to a Matron sophomore division, a declaration fee of $25,000 is due and payable at time of declaration.