Howard and Judith Taylor's Verdad was a 1:51.2 winner in the $15,000 featured Open Pace Monday at Harrington Raceway.
In a consolidated field of three as a result of two scratches, Verdad, a seven-year-old Western Ideal stallion, sat third most of the mile for driver Tony Morgan before wearing down pacesetter and race favourite Dancin Yankee and edging clear in narrow fashion late. Dancin Yankee was second with Singing Saint third.
It was Verdad's 31st career win for trainer Ron Burke. He paid $7.20 to win.
Janet Hudson's Just A Jolt ($5, Victor Kirby) prepped for a likely Governor's Cup performance in July with a 1:51.3 victory in a $10,000 conditioned pace for trainer Jim King Jr. The six-year-old Village Jolt gelding and 2015 Governors Cup winner set all the fractions in his narrow win over Soto and Raritan Bay.
The Governor's Cup, held on July 28, is a $40,000 annual event with local bragging rights on the line for Delaware owned aged horses. It is held as the centerpiece for older horses on the biggest day of the year for the state's harness racing industry, Governor's Day during the Delaware State Fair.
Live racing continues through Thursday. Post time is 5 p.m.
(Harrington Raceway)