Matron Stakes analysis

Thursday, November 11 at Dover Downs

Race 6 - $148,550 Matron - 3YO Fillies Trot

(3) BELLA BELLINI was both a little lucky yet solid in the Breeders Crown final, as the leader she was stalking broke stride upper stretch, but this filly may have been going by anyway. Nifty Norman trainee went over the $1 million mark in career earnings and is clearly the most accomplished in here. (8) HERCULISA is plagued by another bad draw, but she does have the tactical speed to overcome it and find good early position. She has a legit chance if not used too hard. (5) DARLENE HANOVER hasn’t been firing her best recently, but she was a strong winner when last on a five-eighths track.

Race 8 - $156,300 Matron - 3YO Colts & Geldings Trot

(6) SWINGFORTHEFENCES has been a killer in his home state of Indiana and he rides a fiverace winning streak into this Grand Circuit event. Driver Peter Wrenn will be pointing this gelding to the front and he can take these the distance. (4) INCOMMUNICADO made short work of inferior competition in Massachusetts Sire Stakes action, and it was an easy way to pick up some serious coin and regain confidence. Trotter is one of three Ake Svanstedt entrants in here. (7) IN RANGE has been mentioned in the same breath with some of the top sophomore trotters in the land, and that was a stellar late rally in the Breeders Crown at over 99/1. Outside post could make things a bit difficult.

Race 10 - $129,000 Matron - 3YO Fillies Pace

(2) TEST OF FAITH has dominated this division all season long, with 13 wins in 15 races and over $1 million in earnings. Multiple stakes winner should have her way with these at her usual short price. (1) SCARLETT HANOVER put in a solid effort from post 10 to be second best to the top choice in the Breeders Crown. With plenty of options underneath, the Ron Burke trainee could offer some value in the exotics. (3) GRACE HILL has quietly had a solid season sometimes overshadowed by Test Of Faith but she’s earned over $529,000 with seven wins. Good post gives listed driver Todd McCarthy options.

Race 12 - $164,750 Matron - 3YO Colts & Geldings Pace

(1) LOU’S PEARLMAN has had a bit of an ‘all or nothing’ season but he’s capable of a huge effort, as evidenced by his Little Brown Jug victory. Starting from the pole position gives listed driver Yannick Gingras some tactical options at what should be a very reasonable price. (2) ROCKYROAD HANOVER lands a rare inside post in a stakes final, and the last time he had a good starting spot he drew off to win the Cane Pace at The Meadowlands. Tony Alagna trainee should be close enough to strike. (7) CHARLIE MAY is winding down an amazing (and eventful) 3-year-old season, and this versatile Ohio-bred can do it from on or off the pace. His fortunes hinge on how hard driver Brett Miller has to use him to enter contention.