by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Schoolkids passed the $259,486 Matron 3-year-old colt pace final test with flying colors on Sunday, Nov. 29, at Dover Downs.

Fotowon photo

Schoolkids crossed the wire in 1:50.1 to win the Matron final.

Tim Tetrick moved Schoolkids into the lead after a :25.4 opening quarter and the I Am A Fool-Game Bunny colt controlled the rest of a 1:50.1 mile to win the Matron Final. An entrymate, Ideal Race, another of three Bullletproof Enterprises finalists, closed strong with Ron Pierce for second. Early leader Mr Wiggles, driven by Corey Callahan, finished third.

Schoolkids picked up his fifth win of the year in 21 starts and nearly doubled his seasonal bankroll to $299,217.

In the winner’s circle, Tetrick explained that “Schoolkids had some physical problems earlier in the year and (trainer) Tracy (Brainard) did a good job getting him sound. He’s been racing good the last few months.”

Also on Sunday, Scout Hanover, McMurray Hanover and Delmarvalous took $20,000 Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund second leg pacing divisions while Nitro Commando and Eric B Brief were winners in trotting prelims.

Nitro Commando made short work of the first $20,000 Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund colt trot as Rod Allen, who owns and bred the freshman son of CR Commando-CR Penny Lane, got right to the front and was never challenged in a 2:02.1, wire-to-wire performance. It was his third win in five starts while earning $60,000 this season. Montabello Zeke and Jim Morand were second with Super Delegate third for Eddie Moore.

Vic Kirby and Eric B Brief proved the best in the second trot prelim. Vic Kirby, who owns the Political Briefing-Ms Erica B gelding, went right to the front and led the rest of the way in a 2:00.4 lifetime best win. Par Done My Putt, winner of the $100,000 DSBF Final at Harrington, finished second with Windy Donaway. Wygant Knight, driven by Taylor Gower, was third.

In the $20,000 colt paces, Delmarvalous went right down the road for a 1:52.3 victory, the fastest of his seven wins this year in 10 starts. Corey Callahan guided the Badlands Hanover-Prymetyme Scootie colt for Elmer Fannin, Howard Dorfman, George Teague and Badlands Racing. Golden Gladiator and Tony Morgan sat second the entire route. Amazing Quest with Brad Hanners took third.

Scout Hanover scored a 1:56.1 victory with Ben Stafford, Jr. driving for owners Trevor Donaldson and trainer Ben Stafford. The Badlands Hanover-Savory Hanover colt bested Gonwithurbadself and Bob Shahan and Tug River John handled by Tony Morgan, second and third respectively. It was Scout Hanover’s second win in 11 races, good for $29,580 in purses.

McMurray Hanover and David Miller held on for a 1:56 score in another DSBF prelim. It was the third win in a row and sixth of the year for the Badlands Hanover-Mud Hen gelding owned by Stephanie and Brian Cassell. Lucky Power with Ron Pierce finished second in front of Lou’s Bad Yankee piloted by Jim Morand.

The top eight in points in each of the divisions return next weekend for $100,000 DSBF finals. The filly pace and trot final races will be held on Saturday, with colt pacers and trotters on Sunday.