by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Dali obliterated the track and stakes record with a world record equaling 1:48.2 victory in the $249,113 Matron Stakes 3-year-old colt pace final on Monday, Dec. 15, at Dover Downs.

Fotowon photo

Dali equaled the world record for a 3-year-old pacing colt on a five-eighths-mile track with a 1:48.2 score in the Matron final.

Dali left quickly to find room second behind the early leader, the George Brennan-driven Proper Respect. After a :26.1 opening panel, Ron Pierce swept Dali out and into the lead. From there it was a one colt show.

Blueridge Western rolled out of fourth to challenge before a :54.2 half and the two raced together on the backstretch before Blueridge Western found room and got to the rail in second.

Dali was strong the rest of the way, stopping the timer in 1:21 at the three-quarters and was never threatened during a :27.2 final quarter. The mile of 1:48.2 broke the track and Matron record of 1:49.1 that stood for five seasons after being set by Rapid Dialing, piloted by Kevin Wallis. Earlier this year, Shadow Play was the first to pace a 1:48.2 mile in his Adios elimination at Pocono Downs.

In the Matron, Blueridge Western finished a game second. Lisfinny with David Miller was third. Santanna Blue Chip (Jody Jamieson) took fourth place money and Proper Respect finished fifth.

With the victory the Duane Marfisi conditioned colt completed his sophomore season as a winner of $599,256 and lifted his career total to $1,057,021. Dali, a son of Real Artist-Armbro Tea is owned by Uncirculated Stable of Brantford, Ontario. Unfortunately Aaron Waxman, principal owner of the winner, could not attend the Matron Final due to the funeral of his grandfather, well-known and highly respected horseman and philanthropist Chester Waxman.

Brandon Givens hustled Winbak Speed to a career record 1:49.2 in winning the $32,500 Delaware Special for Niel Gargiulo and Wayne Givens, the Village Jove-Purrfect Kitty gelding’s owners. Steeler finished a close up second for Eric Goodell with Hot N Sporty, handled by David Miller, third.

Tom Kelly’s Print It made it four wins in a row, coming from off the pace to catch front pacing I Ain’t No Fool (Miller) in the final strides for a two length victory in 1:50.1 in the $26,000 Open Pace. It was the second win for driver Eric Goodell and meet leading trainer Josh Green. Print It, a 6-year-old gelding by The Panderosa-Framed Print, won for the 10th time this season and lifted his 2008 purses to $156,460. Western Ace (Corey Callahan) and Haverford Hanover (Pierce) finished in a dead heat for show.