Youaremycandygirl, Springsteen, Wolfgang and Plunge Blue Chip win Matron Stakes
November 9, 2017,by Marv Bachrad, for Dover Downs
DOVER, DE — Springsteen is not only a big hit on Broadway but also in the Matron Stakes after winning the $211,300 Colt and Gelding Pace at Dover Downs on Thursday (Nov. 9). His victory placed him in the Delaware facility’s winner’s circle with the likes of the sensational Youaremycandygirl, Wolfgang and Plunge Blue Chip, as these four horses captured their respective contests.
Youaremycandygirl collects her sixth consecutive stakes victory and eighth from 12 starts with her Matron win on Thursday evening.
Teamed with driver Simon Allard, Springsteen shot past race favorite Shnitzledosomething just past the three-quarters and rolled on to a 1:51.1 triumph. The win was only the second this year from 12 starts and is a new lifetime mark.
Rene Allard recently became trainer of the Rock N Roll Heaven-American Charm youngster who now has banked $178,351 this season. Singh, Weisenberg and Allard Racing own the winner. Closing Statement and Brian Sears were second in front of Shnitzledosomething (Peter Wrenn) third.
Yannick Gingras made the winner’s circle for the second time on the evening guiding Youaremycandygirl to an easy 1:52.2 score in the $174,700 Matron Filly Pace. W.J. Donavan owns the American Ideal-Sweet Lady Jane lass, who is trained by Ron Burke. The filly collected her the sixth consecutive stakes victory and her eighth of the year from 10 races. She has now won $714,345 in purses. Strong Opinion (Dave Miller) was the runner-up with Aims Whisper (Wrenn) third.
Fotowon photos
Wolfgang won his third race of the season after taking his division of the Matron Stakes.
The outside post eight was no burden for Plunge Blue Chip in the $173,000 Matron Filly Trot. Ake Svanstedt, who owns the Muscle Mass-Dunk The Donato lass with Blue Chip Bloodstock, hustled away from the starting gate and won for fun in 1:55.4. It was her seventh win from eight races and improved her earnings to $194,833. Perfect Summer (Andrew McCarthy) had a perfect two-hole trip with SMS Princess (Tim Tetrick) third at the wire.
Wolfgang played winning music for Gingras in a 1:55.3 decision in the $203,900 Matron Colt Trot. Jimmy Takter conditions the My MVP-Summer Savory freshman for owners Falk, Fair Island Farm, Brixton Medical and Hatfield Stables. The win was the third of the season from eight races.
Wolfgang caught Samo Difference (Takter) in the last steps to bring his earnings to $204,820. I Know My Rights (Tyler Buter) was the show horse.
Matron Stakes action continues next Thursday (Nov. 16) when all four Matron Stakes for 3-year-olds headline another big racing program.
On a giant undercard, David Miller steered Bettor Memories, trained by Richard “Nifty” Norman, home in 1:50.2 for owner Gus Dovi to win the $30,000 Preferred Pace. Soto (Art Stafford Jr.) and Sweet Rock (Sears) were second and third respectively.
In the $25,000 Open Pace, Sicily, driven by Montrell Teague, was a 1:50.3 winner for trainer Wayne Givens and owner Reggie Hazzard. Arque Hanover was next in front of Seventh Secret (Eddie Davis Jr.)
Tetrick was also honored Thursday evening with a celebration for achieving his 10,000th win.
Tetrick, Allan Davis, Gingras, trainers Eric Foster and Jim King and owner JoAnn Looney King had two wins apiece.
Dover Downs now offers a 50-Cent Pick-5 (races 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) and a late double to end the card in the 12th and 13th races.
The track races Monday through Thursday with a 4:30 p.m. post time.
- Matron 2-year-old draw set for Monday (Sunday, November 05, 2017)
Monday (Nov. 6) is draw day for the lucrative Matron Stakes for 2-year-old trotting and pacing fillies and colts. The Dover Downs entry box is open from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. To supplement to a Matron freshman division, a declaration fee of $20,000 is due and payable at time of declaration.
- Matron Stakes on Thursday in Grand Circuit spotlight (Wednesday, November 08, 2017)
The Grand Circuit returns to Dover Downs this Thursday (Nov. 9) for four Matron Stakes for 2-year-olds of both sexes and gaits.
- Holloway hopes for ‘Statement’ win in Matron (Wednesday, November 08, 2017)
Joe Holloway hopes this year does not provide the last word on Closing Statement’s disposition. Closing Statement has won five of 12 races and earned $226,939 in purses this season despite being “a work in progress.” In his most recent start, the colt finished third in the Breeders Crown. On Thursday, he faces seven foes in the $211,300 Matron Stakes for 2-year-old male pacers at Dover Downs.
- Matron Stakes 2-year-olds vie at Dover Downs (Wednesday, November 08, 2017)
A big Thursday (Nov. 9) card is topped by four lucrative Matron Stakes at Dover Downs. On the strong undercard is a $30,000 Preferred Pace, a $25,000 Open, two $19,000 Winners Over divisions, along with a $35,000 and a $25,000 claiming pace. First post is 4:30 p.m.