by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Four rich Matron Stakes for 3-year-olds headline a top 13-race program at Dover Downs on Thursday (Nov. 16). On the excellent undercard is a $30,000 Preferred Pace and a $25,000 Open. First post is 4:30 p.m.

As in the past, often divisional titles are on the line with results affecting seasonal end of the year awards.

The $210,000 Matron colt pace stake is led by $1.9 million winner Downbytheseaside, driven by former Dover regular Chris Page. He has been the favorite in most of his races since late summer. He missed by a quarter-length, finishing second in the Breeders Crown for trainer Brian Brown and owners Richard Lombardo, Joe Sbrocco, Country Club Acres and Diamond Creek Racing.

Little Brown Jug winner Filibuster Hanover (Yannick Gingras) drew the rail for Burke Racing, Weaver Bruscemi, J&T Silva Stables and Joe DiScala Jr. New York Sire Stakes king Funknwaffles and Corey Callahan, second in the Jug, gets post two.

What The Hill, who was taken down after finishing first in the Hambletonian, before capturing the Breeders Crown title, must overcome outside post eight in the $201,900 Matron colt trot championship. Hall of Famer David Miller will handle the reins for Burke Racing, Deo Volente Farms, J&T Silva Stables and Our Horse Cents Stables.

Devious Man and Andy Miller, who has been in the money in 14 of 16 starts, winning almost $1 million this season, races for Stroy Inc. and Andy Miller Stable. He will start from post two. M And L of Delaware and Bill Wiswell own Bill’s Man, with Tim Tetrick in the bike, who scores from post four.

In the $186,600 Matron filly trot, Ice Attraction, second in the Breeders Crown and a winner last time in the Crossroads of America at Hoosier Park, is the 3-1 morning line favorite. She is trained and driven by Ake Svanstedt who owns the well-bred trotter with Mal & Janet Burroughs, Little E and Doug Sipple. She has won nearly $400,000 this year with six wins and 12 times in the money in 19 races.

Determination’s Dream Together finished third in the Breeders Crown and will be driven by Daniel Dube for trainer Luc Blais and drew post one. Jimmy Takter starts Thats All Moni with Yannick Gingras piloting for Marvin Katz, Al Libfeld, and Brittany Farms. Another Delaware-owned candidate is Fine Tuned Lady with Corey Callahan driving for M And L of Delaware and Bill Wiswell.

Early season standout Idyllic Beach and Yannick Gingras drew the rail in the $182,700 Matron sophomore filly pace final. The $1.1 million lifetime winner is owned by Christina Takter, John Fielding, Marvin Katz and Brixton Medical.

Starting from the outside is Jugette winner and Breeders Crown runner-up Caviart Ally, owned by Caviart Farms. Another $1 million winner, Agent Q, gets David Miller in the bike.

The highly rated Rich Poillucci-owned Christen Me N (Tetrick) and Mach It So (David Miller) lead the $30,000 Preferred Pace.

For Thursday’s complete entries, click here.

Dover Downs now features a 50-cent Pick-5 wager starting with the second race through the sixth. A late daily double is carded for the 12th and 13th races.