Delaware, OH — Helpoftheseason and driver Peter Wrenn sat behind leader Royal Filly for three-quarters of a mile, moved out from the pocket on the final turn, and cruised to a 1:54.2 victory in Wednesday’s $88,000 Buckette for 3-year-old female trotters at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in central Ohio.

Pride N Joy finished second, 2-1/2 lengths behind Helpoftheseason, and Bravo Angel S was fourth-placed-third following the dropping of Stella Rose to sixth for interference in the stretch.

Helpoftheseason cruised to a 1:54.2 victory in the Buckette. Conrad photo.

Royal Filly, the 9-5 co-favorite who set fractions of :27.2, :56.2, and 1:24.1 after taking the lead from post five at the start, went off stride on the last turn. Bella Macchiato, who also was 9-5, made a break while racing first-over in third as she approached three-quarters.

Helpoftheseason started from post six in the field of 10, with the horses in posts nine and 10 leaving from the second tier, and was able to settle into second place behind Royal Filly heading around the first turn. From there, Wrenn bided his time until making his move.

“That was really a lot of fun,” Wrenn said. “I thought we had the right horse, but when the draw came out with a full field and trailers, and having the six-hole, do I get away eighth? But she handled it well. Sometimes, you just close your eyes, and there it is.

“She had a good feel. I didn’t know if I could keep up early, but (Royal Filly) started to get a little tired, and she actually ended up making a break. But that’s why I moved in that (last) turn because I thought I could wear her down then. Whatever thoughts we had, they’re behind us, and we’re in the winner’s circle.”

Wrenn drove Helpoftheseason for his wife, trainer Melanie Wrenn, and owners John Schmucker, Wrenn Racing, and Running Wild Stables. Helpoftheseason, a daughter of Helpisontheway-Torches Star, was bred by Ben Wittmer Jr. The filly has won five of 10 races this year and nine of 17 lifetime, earning $311,345.

The victory was the Wrenns’ second consecutive in the Buckette. They captured the 2022 race with Bluebird Dove in a track- and stakes-record 1:52.2.

Sent off at 9-2 odds, Helpoftheseason paid $11 to win.