by Marv Bachrad, Dover Downs Publicity Director

DOVER, Del. – Nine Matron Stakes two-year-old elimination divisions dominate a stakes laden Saturday, Nov. 4 card at Dover Downs. There are three filly trot elims, and two each for colt trotters and colt and filly pacers. First post is 5:30 p.m.

The pacing divisions boast the highest elim purses. In a $36,862 elim, Kal Liebowitz and Marc Rubach’s Artzina, with Jack Moiseyev at the controls for trainer Dylan Davis must overcome post eight in a field of nine. Wayne Whebby’s Watta Hotshot won the $160,000 Lou Babic Final recently with Cat Manzi driving. Blaso Farms’ Pandoras Sox (David Miller), MJGB Racing Stables’ Forensic Z Tam (Pat Lachance) and David McDuffee’s Honky Tonk Hanover (Brian Sears) have strong credentials.

In the other Matron Colt set, fast Olay Olay, owned by Wayne Whebby, has won eight of 10 races this season with Hall of Famer Cat Manzi. MJGB Racing’s Digital Z Tam, driven by another Hall of Famer Mike Lachance, won the Kentucky Sire Stakes Final while The Cheyenne Gang’s Ghee’s House, with Hall of Famer Ron Pierce, won last week’s New Jersey Futurity. Delaware standout Jesse N Echo, with Tony Morgan, is a six-time freshman winner.

Only Money and Teague Inc.’s Isabella Blue Chip, with David Miller in the bike, is the richest Matron starter, already banking $401,214. Lamera, TLP Stable and the Loconte’s Real Girl (Andy Miller) brings an impressive record of five wins in seven races to a field of six starters.

Little Miss Dragon, with Ron Pierce, finished second in last week’s Breeders Crown and Burke, Leon, Cherichello and Karr’s Western Graduate, steered by Tony Morgan, and unbeaten Tidewaterdragonfly and Dave Palone lead another $33,587 Matron Filly division.

There is plenty of trot action as well. Stunt Man Hall, owned, trained and driven by Toby Lynch of Delmar, Del., has already won $38,364 this season. PNR Stable’s Penn Noble Rocky is a winner of two of three races and $102,600 and will be handled by Andy Miller. Gary Stetson’s grey colt Monkey Bones has a win streak of two in a row while Lindy Racing Stable’s The Bosses Lindy (Mike Lachance) is a perfect three-for-three.

In the second Matron Colt trot, Ernie Gerbaulet’s Adrian Chip, trained and driven by Per Henriksen is the one to beat from post one. M And L of Delaware’s Manfinity (Cat Manzi) just won a New York series final. Lindy Farms’ Gladiator Lindy (Mike Lachance) was impressive in two second-place finishes in the Bluegrass and International Stallion Stake.

In the first $23,525 Matron Filly Trot, the two wealthiest contestants start from outside posts. Nick Cimino’s Gerri’s Joy, winner of the $537,000 Merrie Annabelle at the Meadowlands has won $278,900 in only four starts. David Miller drives from post eight. To her inside, stakes-seasoned Michelle’s Angel with Brian Sears brings a four-win slate and $185,730 bankroll for owner Jeff Snyder.

Five-time winner Undercover Lover (Tony Morgan) leads the second Matron Filly section. The Pa Sire Stakes champion has won $101,208 for owner Lon Castranuovo. Three Point Acres’ CC’s Casey’s Dream (Steve Smith) took the New Jersey Sire Stakes Filly Futurity.

A pair of Delaware-owned participants leads the third $23,525 filly division. Rodney Mitchell and Teague Inc.’s Danae (Ron Pierce), winner of a $73,00 International Stake and a Oakville elim leaves from the rail with M And L Of Delaware’s Ladyhoo (Cat Manzi), fresh from two straight wins has post two. Another with two consecutive wins is impeccably bred Syrinx Song (Andy Miller). Celebrity Farms’ Celebrity Feeling (Mike Lachance) and Zotobamo AB’s Fabulous Kempt (Marcus Johansson) have each won four races this season.

The top eight finishers in each of the divisions return the following Saturday, Nov. 11 for four lucrative finals with purses of more than $200,000 each.