Delaware County Fair: When Dovescry soars in Miss Versatility final

When Dovescry won four of the six preliminary legs of the Miss Versatility Series for trotting mares at the Meadowlands, and she finished off her dominance of this year's edition of the event by taking the $116,500 final on Thursday at the Delaware County Fair in 1:56 2/5.

Driven by David Miller and starting from post four, When Dovescry went straight to the lead and was well-rated through opening-half panels of 29 seconds and 59 seconds. World champion Weslynn Quest (Joe Bongiorno) popped out frist-over from third before the half, but she made a break late on the third turn, which allowed When Dovescry to cruise to three-quarters in 1:27 2/5.

After negotiating the far turn without incident, When Dovescry kicked away from her rivals in the stretch and went on to score by open lengths. Ab'sattitudexpress (Yannick Gingras), who was left uncovered after Weslynn Quest broke, was a game second-place finisher, and Felicityshagwell S (Andy Miller) took third after following When Dovescry from the pocket. Next Level Stuff (Tim Tetrick) came in fourth.

"She's as perfect and as lovely a horse as you could ever have in your stable. She's a pleasure to be around," said winning trainer Brett Pelling. "She's with you. We love her, and she loves us."

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John Lengacher owns When Dovescry, a 5-year-old Muscle Hill mare. This was her 18th career victory, and she has now earned $1,428,760. The 2-5 favorite, she paid $2.80 to win.