Delaware County Fair: Helpoftheseason bags Buckette title

Helpoftheseason was a 1:54 2/5 winner of the $88,000 Buckette for 3-year-old filly trotters on Wednesday afternoon at the Delaware County Fair, giving driver Peter Wrenn and trainer Melanie Wrenn back-to-back victories in the event after taking it last year with Bluebird Dove.

Royal Filly (Yannick Gingras) led through fractions of 27 2/5, 56 2/5 and 1:24 1/5 with Helpoftheseason in the pocket. Bella Macchiato (Dexter Dunn), the co-favorite with Royal Filly at 9-5, tipped out first-over from fourth on the second turn but stalled out in third and then broke before three-quarters, leaving Royal Filly and Helpoftheseason well ahead of the others.

Wrenn brought Helpoftheseason to the outside on the final bend to go after Royal Filly, but then Royal Filly went off-stride as well, putting Helpoftheseason on the point. From there she never had an anxious moment, sailing to a 2 1/2 length trimph over Pride N Joy (Todd McCarthy), who overcame being on the outside for the first three-quarters of the mile to get runner-up honors. Stella Rose (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) crossed the wire third but was placed sixth from causing interference to Maiden Voyage (Tony Hall), promoting Bravo Angel S (Andy McCarthy) from fourth to the show spot.

"I am so excited I can't stand it. When the draw came out and we had the six in a ten-horse field, I'm like 'oh my God, we're screwed,' and then Peter landed so well, I'm like 'we do have a chance,'" said Melanie Wrenn. "It was crazy (with Bella Macchiato and Royal Filly making breaks). The same thing happened at The Red Mile yesterday. It's like the seas are parting. I kind of hope it keeps happening."

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Bred by Ben Wittmer Jr. and owned by John Schmucker, Wrenn Racing LLC. and Running Wild Stables, the victorious daughter of Helpisontheway has a record of 9-3-2 from 17 outings, has banked $311,345 and paid $11.00 to win as the 9-2 third choice.