Dover Downs' 2008 stakes season opens with a bang this Sunday as three-year-old prepare to battle in elims for four major stakes events - the $400,000 (est.) Progress Pace and three rich Matron Stakes.
Badland Nitro leads one of two $35,000 elims of the Dover Downs flagship feature, the Progress Pace. Brian Sears will drive from Post 1.
Moon Beam (Dan Dube), Santanna Blue Chip (Jody Jamison), Dali (Luc Ouellette) and Trade Editor (Andy Miller) are among the starters in a field of nine.
In the other elim, Mystery Chase (David Miller), Rudy Rednose (Brian Sears), Southwestern Dream (John Campbell) and Riggins (Ray Schnittker) head eight starters.
A top field of fillies collide in one of the $37,957 Matron Stakes eliminations. Good News Lady (Greg Grismore), Tug River Princess (John Campbell), A And Gs Confusion (David Miller) Cheyenne Trish (Jim Meittinis) and 2007 Matron frosh winner Happy Dreamer (Andy Miller) head the potent combatants.
In the other section, Artimittateslife (Dave Palone), Thong (Tim Tetrick), Knock Three Times (David Miller) and Native Bride (Brian Sears), Respectable (Yannick Gingras), Cartniverous (Eric Goodell) and Ladycino (Tony Morgan) are among 11 entries.
Crazed (Tim Tetrick) and Make It Happen (Ray Schnittker), second and third in the Hambletonian, lead nine to post in one of the $43,213 Matron Stakes elims for trotting colts and geldings.
Clerk Magistrate (Trevor Ritchie), Napoleon (Stephane Bouchard), Holiday Credit (Ron Pierce), Shaman Hall (Mike Lachance) and The Pres (Trond Smedshammer) are in the power packed trot.
In the second $43,213 split, Celebrity Secret (John Campbell), In Focus (Dave Palone), Gallantly (Mike Lachance), Spam Spade (Andy Miller) and Star Ledger (Steve Smith) lead 10 to post.
The $37,957Matron Stakes for trotting fillies is led by Lantern Kronos (Jimmy Takter), Diana Hall (Ron Pierce), Hawaiianphotograph (Dave Palone), Poster Pin Up (Brian Sears), Morguns Sweetheart (George Brennan) and Stage Show (Tim Tetrick) in a field of 11 starters.
The other filly trot has Creamy Mimi (Trond Smedshammer), One Tough Lass (Tim Tetrick), Swoosh Hanover (John Campbell), Muscle Shirt (Jeff Gregory), Epangeline (Ray Schnittker), Its Coast Time (Cat Manzi), Prada Hall (Charlie Norris) and Kadealia (Brian Sears) going for a $37,957 purse.
(Dover Downs)