Aeneas Sweeps DSBF Preliminary Legs at Bally's Dover

Aeneas became the only two-year-old male pacer to sweep his Delaware Standardbred Breeders’ Fund preliminary legs with a career-best 1:54.2 win at Bally’s Dover, State of Delaware News reported.

The victory, secured in the second of three $20,000 divisions, saw Montrell Teague utilize a pocket ride behind He’s Soaring before driving the gelding to the open stretch. Aeneas ultimately pulled away to claim his second career victory by 1-1/4 lengths.

The performance by the Highalator-Sequoia Seelster gelding, bred by Dr. William Solomon and trained by Jamie Sullivan, serves as a critical benchmark for the current DSBF season. As the preliminary rounds conclude, the stakes for these young pacers shift from individual divisional wins to the pursuit of a massive series payout.

Lifetime bests fell across the other two DSBF divisions, where unexpected results changed the standings at Bally's Dover.

Blue Jay’s Watchin edges favorite

In a closely contested second division, Blue Jay’s Watchin emerged from the pocket just 100 yards from the finish line to secure an upset. The $73.20 longshot lifted to narrowly defeat the 1-20 favorite, Hawaiian Warfare, clocking a time of 1:53.4.

Aeneas Sweeps DSBF Preliminary Legs at Bally's Dover

Tony Morgan drove the He’s Watching-NF Salsa gelding to its fourth career win. The victory was a collective success for trainer Daniel Gassien, owner Richard Havens, and breeder Steve Wetzel.

The third division saw DM’s Delight maintain control of the race from start to finish. Brandon Givens drove the Highalator-Cashmere’s Delight gelding to a 1:57.4 score, parrying a late charge from Never Fold to win by a neck.

This win marked the second career victory for the gelding, which is owned and bred by Donna Messick and trained by Les Givens.

The road to the $110,000 final

The successful preliminary rounds have now filtered the field down to the elite competitors capable of contending for the championship. The top eight point earners from both preliminary rounds are set to compete in the $110,000 series final.

The qualifying field for the championship includes: