Dover, DE — Three-year-old pacing colts and geldings were treated to unseasonably warm temperatures on Thursday (Dec. 2) for the start of their Delaware Standardbred Breeders’ Fund series at Dover Downs.

Squeak On By narrowly reached for victory in his DSBF first-round event.

In the first of three $20,000 first-round preliminary events, carded as a non-wagering event, Squeak On By (Nuclear Breeze-Sequoia Seelster) lived up to his name with a late brush at the finish line, earning a 1:56 lifetime record for driver Roger Plante Jr., trainer Steve LeBlanc, and owner-breeder Dr. William Solomon. Henrico was second; Bags Of Interest was third.

Harrington DSBF series winner First State Joni kicked off his Dover schedule with a win in Thursday’s first-round action. Fotowon photos.

The second division went to the Governor’s Day final winner, First State Joni (Delmarvalous-Jonigold), in 1:55.4, over Subban and Spinologist. Barton Dalious drove for his dad, trainer Bart Dalious, and Frank Deliberti’s The Wiz Kids Stable LLC, who owns and bred the son of Delmarvalous and Jonigold.

Downtown Show lived up to favored billing in the final division, winning in 1:55.3 for driver Allan Davis, trainer Les Givens, and the partnership of Henry Faragalli III, Arthur Feeney and Nanticoke Racing. The Winbak Farm-bred son of Delmarvalous and Slow Down defeated Mr Overbite and Z’s Dream.

The Dover DSBF series continues on Monday (Dec. 6), with 3-year-old trotting fillies returning for their second preliminary round. Post time is 4:30 p.m.