by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — The Matrons kick off the Dover Downs “Novemberfest” of stakes. Many of the top stables, trainers and drivers will be headquartered at the track for two weeks of Sunday Grand Circuit competition starting on Nov. 10.

All eight Matron freshman and sophomore divisions share the spotlight on the same program. Two of the divisions are split with one elimination in the others with the first eight in each of the divisions making the lucrative finals the following Sunday (Nov. 17).

One of the headline events is a $53,462 3-year-old colt and gelding pace elim featuring Dedi’s Dragon (Yannick Gingras), an upset winner over highly touted Captaintreacherous last week at Hoosier Park; Ronny Bugatti (Jason Bartlett), who won the $450,000 Messinger Stake last Saturday; the highly touted Vegas Vacation (Brian Sears) a nine-time winner of $887,162 this year; and Sunshine Beach, fresh from a second-place finish in the recent Breeders Crown.

Some of the major names in this year’s Matrons include freshmen pacing colts Stevensville (Ray Schnittker), McWicked (Andy Miller) and So Surreal (Tim Tetrick); pacing fillies Ideal Helen (Marcus Miller), Beach Body (Brian Sears) and Ali Blue (Tim Tetrick); filly trotters Shake It Cerry (Ron Pierce), Struck By Lindy (David Miller) and Scream And Shout (Tim Tetrick); and trotting colts led by Nuncio (John Campbell).

Among a strong group of 3-year-old filly trotters are Ma Chere Hall (Corey Callahan) and Southwind Cocoa (Tim Tetrick) in one section and Time To Kill (John Campbell) and Thistle Dhu (Brett Miller) in another division. Don Dorado (Tim Tetrick) heads the colt section.

The sophomore filly pace has strong fields. Somwherovrarainbow (Montrell Teague), Summertime Lea (George Brennan), Jerseylicious (Corey Callahan) and Cheyenne Miriam (Andy Miller) are in one division and in the other are Shebestingin (David Miller) and Ms Caila J Fra (Andy Miller).

Smilin Eli (Tim Tetrick), Dontyouforgetit (Yannick Gingras), Crazy About Pat (David Miller), All Laid Out (David Miller), Possessed Fashion (Brian Sears) and Tirade Hanover (Ron Pierce) are part of a field of 10 in the 3-year-old colt trot.

The complete fields may be found at this link.

For those planning to enjoy racing in the Winner’s Circle Restaurant or for those seeking to stay at the 4-star Dover Downs Hotel, it is suggested to make reservations early. Call 302.674.4600.

Sunday racing begins at 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday post time is 4:30 p.m. There is no live racing on Fridays and Saturdays. Parking and admission at Dover Downs are free.