Dali lowers mark to 1.49.2 in Matron elim; Beach scratched, off to stud

Dali lowered his mark by almost a full second with his 1.49.2 victory in the first Matron Stakes elimination at Dover Downs this evening. The colt has had some tough racing luck this year, not the least of which is being part of the first crop of three year old pacers to sport 4 one-season millionaires: Somebeachsomewhere, Art Official, Shadow Play, and Badlands Nitro. A son of Real Artist out of the Matts Scooter mare Armbro Tea, Dali is the pride of horse owner Aaron Waxman of Ontario.

First Rate led through early fractions of 26.1 and 54.2, but Dali was first over and was only a nose behind at the 3/4 in 1.21.4. From there Dali took command and paced home in 27.3 for his new lifetime mark of 1.49.2. Lisfunny placed, Santanna Blue Chip took third and First Rate held on for fourth.

In the second elimination race, Somebeachsomewhere was scratched due to a virus (he'll now head to Hanover Shoe Farms to prepare for his mare book), so Blueridge Western went to post as the prohibitive favorite and did not disappoint, winning in a relaxed 1.51.1, with Proper Respect in second, Jo Pa's Wild Card third, and Mystery Chase fourth.

Tom's Toy won the $100,000 final of the Delaware Breeders Stakes for 2 year Old Fillies in 1.54.4

Full results from Delaware Breeders and Matron Stakes Races at Dover Downs

NOTE for Harness Horse Breeders: Four of the big names in this year's sensational 3 year old pacing crop are grandsons of Matts Scooter. Somebeachsomewhere is by Matts' son Mach Three, while Shadow Play, Santanna Blue Chip and Dali are all out of Matts Scooter mares.