by Ken Weingartner, USTA Media Relations Manager

Delaware, OH — Looking For Zelda won a stretch duel over Kenziesky Hanover to capture Wednesday’s (Sept. 19) $82,200 Buckette Stakes for 3-year-old female trotters by a half-length in 1:54.4 at the Delaware County Fair. Pinecraft Nellie finished third.

USTA/Mark Hall photo

Looking For Zelda won a stretch duel over Kenziesky Hanover to capture Wednesday’s $82,200 Buckette Stakes.

Looking For Zelda was the race’s early leader, taking the field to the opening quarter-mile in :28 before favorite Bella Glos marched to the front and reached the half in :55.3. Bella Glos remained on top at three-quarters in 1:24.3, but went off stride entering the final turn just as Looking For Zelda and Kenziesky Hanover were gearing up to challenge.

Kenziesky Hanover, on the outside, and Looking For Zelda raced together around the turn before Looking For Zelda pulled clear in the stretch for the victory.

Matt Kakaley drove Looking For Zelda for trainer Norm Parker and owner Bob Key, who also bred the filly. Looking For Zelda, a daughter of Break The Bank K and My Winning Way K, has won five of 10 races this year and 12 of 21 in her career. She has earned $395,794 lifetime.

“I did want the front, but Yannick (Gingras with Bella Glos) had other plans,” Kakaley said. “I just made him trot around me, I didn’t want to grab (Looking For Zelda) up too much and let him go. It worked out OK. It was a little dicey there going into the last turn, but it worked out fine.”

Sent off at odds of 3-1, Looking For Zelda paid $8.60 to win.

“It was a little tight coming down the lane, but she just raced great today,” added Kakaley. “She is a gritty filly that gives it her all. When I asked her she responded.”

— Kim French also contributed to this report