by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Rock N Roll Heaven has all but officially been named 2010 Horse of the Year and the 3-year-old closes out a brilliant career on Sunday (Nov. 28), taking on five rivals in the last of the eight Matron stakes for this campaign.

Trained by Bruce Saunders, a former Delaware EDA director and one of the sport’s top conditioners, Rock N Roll Heaven has won 15 of 20 races and earned $2,065,236 of his career bankroll of $2,657,862 in 2010. Daniel Dube is his regular driver. Ironically, owner Frank Belino chooses not watch his horse in person, because he is superstitious. He always watches Rock N Roll Heaven race via a nearby OTB, on TV or on the internet. Following the Matron Final on Sunday, Rock N Roll Heaven will head to Blue Chip Farm in New York where he will stand as a stallion.

Among the talented challengers in the $181,913 Matron Final are Rockin Image, winner of the recent $320,000 Progress Pace, with Yannick Gingras driving and a two-horse George Teague, Jr. trained entry led by Delmarvalous, handled by Brian Sears, a winner of one of the Matron elims, who is coupled in the wagering with the Montrell Teague-driven Windfall Blue Chip.

Also starting are the fleet-footed Valentino, reined by Tim Tetrick, a strong second last week, and third-place finisher Dreamlands Art, piloted by George Brennan.

Also this weekend, the Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund 2-year-old stakes are split with six $20,000 second leg filly divisions, two trots and four paces, racing on the Saturday card. On Sunday the male pacers and trotters will compete in second leg DSBF prelims. The top eight in points in each division race in four $100,000 finals. the fillies are featured on Saturday, Dec. 4, and the colt and gelding finals are on Sunday, Dec. 5.

Corey Callahan has returned to the top of the leading driver standings with 36 wins. Ron Pierce is now second with 35. Ross Wolfenden holds third place with 19. Tim Tetrick is fourth, driving 18 winners. Tony Morgan completes the top five with 11 wins.

Josh Green is atop the leading trainer roles. The six-time track champion has haltered 10 winners. Dylan Davis is next with nine. Tied for third are Les Givens and Joe Hundertpfund with eight, while Eli Scott is number five with seven winners.

There is no live racing on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, and as usual Friday is a dark day. Saturday and Sunday programs begin at 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, post time in 4:30 p.m. Every Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. the public is invited to watch qualifying races.