by Marv Bachrad, Dover Downs Publicity Director

DOVER, Del. — Never in the history of The Matron Stakes, the oldest and one of the most prestigious stakes events in the sport, have 90 freshmen – the most in modern history – been entered in the elimination round of the $1 million stake. The qualifiers in the four two-year-old division finals for colt and filly pacers and trotters will be decided in 11 elims this Saturday, Nov. 5 at Dover Downs.

Since its inception the Matrons have drawn many of the fabled young horses in harness racing, but at no time, has it been comparable to the 2005 eliminations.

The top eight finishers from each Matron elim division return next Saturday, Nov. 12 for the lucrative finals. The Colt pacers race for $240,675 while filly pacers meet in a $237,775 final. Colt trotting finalists vie for $227,900 while filly trotters race for a $218,400 purse.

Each of the 11 Matron elims feature at least two starters who have won in six figures. Most of them are ticketed for the upcoming Breeders Crown events.

In a surprising development in a $40,113 Matron Colt division, driver Ron Pierce chose to drive lightly raced Took Hanover from the rail instead of Delaware’s own Western Ace. Trainer George Teague picked Hall of Fame driver Cat Manzi to drive the gelding winner of nine of 10 races and $494,052. The leading challenger is $313,561 winner Palone Ranger, driven by Brian Sears.

In the other $40,113 Matron Colt division, Artstanding, reined by Hall of Famer Mike Lachance, holds the only victory over Western Ace this campaign. The Artsplace colt has won $312,887 and is the one to beat in the second section.

The first of three $24,192 frosh pacing filly divisions is led by My Little Dragon, unbeaten in four starts, with Ron Pierce. The Dragon Again filly has won $105,600. Armbro Dancer became eligible upon payment of a $20,000 supplemental payment. She has won five of eight starts and $112,537.

A second $24,192 division features $432,106 winner, Darlin’s Delight with Yannick Gingras at the controls. She has won nine of 11 with two seconds. Lonesome Day (David Miller) has won five of seven with two seconds and $306,676 this season. Public Life (Cat Manzi) is an $117,560 winning filly.

A pair of six-figure earners leads the third $24,192 filly pace. Knock Yourself Out (John Campbell) has won $183,023 in 2005, Mythical, driven by leading money winning driver of the year, Brian Sears, is a $206,990 winner.

In $24,267 Matron freshmen trots, Flamingo Bingo has won recent important stakes. Ron Pierce will drive the five-time winner. Two other contenders are Gluteus Maximus, with Ray Schnittker, a New York Sire Stakes winner of $243,839 this season, and Wherley, a winner of $121,706 with John Campbell to drive.

Another $24,267 Matron filly trot division is led by Quick Credit, who has seven wins in 11 starts and $272,271 in earnings. Also, Celebrity Sweedie, a winner of $234,067 this year, finds Brian Sears driving.

The richest fillies in the final $24,267 division have drawn inside posts. John Campbell steers Arlanda Hanover, a $254,166 winner from the rail with Macaria Hanover and Dave Palone starting alongside fashioning three straight stakes wins, topping a four wins in five starts record, winning $109,660 in purses.

The colt trotters vie for $23,100 in three divisions. In one, Make You Mine (Mike Lachance) has won $123,830. Matchstick Man, with Ray Schnittker, has banked $121,291.

Another section is led by highly rated RC Royalty with trainer-driver Dan Daley and Global Glide (Ron Pierce) who has won $266,951. A $20,000 supplement made Here Comes Herbie (Mike Lachance) eligible to start.

The final Matron $23,100 Colt Trot division features driver Ray Schnittker’s Frank The Hands, sporting a seven win in nine races record and $130,103 in purse earnings

Saturday and Sunday racing starts at 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday post time is 4:30 p.m. No live racing on Fridays. There is no charge for admission or parking. Reservations are suggested for the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and the four-star Dover Downs Hotel. Call 302-674-4600.