Delaware County Fair: Blenheim takes home the Old Oaken Bucket

Hall of Fame driver John Campbell guided 5-1 shot Blenheim to a strong first-over score in the $122,500 Old Oaken Bucket for 3-year-old colt trotters on Thursday at the Delaware County Fair. The time for the mile was 1:54, which equaled Blenheim's lifetime mark.

Tight Lines (Jeff Gregory) set the tempo in the event, carving out panels of 27 2/5, 56 3/5, and 1:25 1/5, but Blenheim, who moved first-over out of fourth just before the half, surged into the lead at the top of the stretch. Race favorite Cufflink Hanover (David Miller) had dead-aim at Blenheim through the lane after tracking his cover, but Blenheim was too tough, winning by just over a length. Tight Lines wound up third, followed by Promise Delivered (Tim Tetrick) and Dog Gone Lucky (Corey Callahan).

It was Campbell's first drive of the day after winning yesterday's Jugette, and he was pleased with the effort Blenheim put forth.

"It's a tough race, especially with a ten-horse field," Campbell said. "This horse, he had to do it overland and no cover. He went a real strong race.

"There's lots of guys to choose from around here, so I was thankful to get a live drive going for $122,000. That's a good deal for me."

Per Henriksen trains Blenheim, a gelded son of Yankee Glide, for his ASA Farm, Steve Organ, and Thomas Nurmi. This was Blenheim's fifth win from 21 career starts, and he has now earned $164,123. He paid $13.40 to win.