Delaware County Fair: Herodotus reigns supreme in Old Oaken Bucket

Herodotus set up shop on the engine and didn't relinquish command when challenged by favored Talent Scout in winning Thursday afternoon's $100,000 Old Oaken Bucket for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters at the Delaware County Fair.

Driver David Miller gunned Herodotus to the point from post two and cut the opening quarter in 27 3/5. Talent Scout (Dexter Dunn) tipped out from the pocket racing to that marker and took the lead on the rim on the second turn, but he was unable to clear. Miller then elected to drive back on through on the inside and left Talent Scout parked to the half in 55 3/5.

Talent Scout didn't go away on the rim and was still in second as Herodotus hit three-quarters in 1:24 1/5, but Herodotus sealed the deal in the final quarter of 29 seconds, pulling clear to win by 2 1/2 lengths in 1:53 1/5, lowering the track record for a sophomore gelding trotter in the process. Drink Up Drink Up (Aaron Merriman) crossed the wire in second but was placed third for making a break in the lane, elevating Talent Scout to the runner-up spot.

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A gelded son of Bar Hopping bred by Bill Solomon, Herodotus is trained by Ron Burke for owners Burke Racing Stable LLC., Hatfield Stables and Weaver Bruscemi LLC. He has a record of 8-2-4 from 25 starts, sent his earnings to $262,956 and returned $9.40 to win as the 7-2 second choice.