Delaware River tops Willy Wank Stakes

Delaware River heads a field of six Pennsylvania-breds in the $75,000 Willy Wank at Presque Isle Downs on Friday night. Trained by Bill Campbell, the 7-year-old son of Quiet American may have needed his last race at Pimlico, a 1 1/16-mile optional claiming race in which he finished fourth while making his first start of the season.

Delaware River won his final four races of 2007, including the $45,000 Watchmans Warning at Penn National and the $75,000 Smarty Jones at Philadelphia Park, both against statebred company. Delaware River then won an optional claimer at Laurel on Sept. 14 by 2 1/2 lengths, and concluded his campaign with a length win in an open allowance race at Philadelphia Park. Delaware River will be ridden by Ryan Foglesonger for the first tine in the 1 1/8-mile Willy Wank.

Tejanos Eliminator, trained by Todd Beattie, is the only entrant to have won over the Tapeta surface at Presque Isle. Tejanos Eliminator won his maiden race at Presque Isle on Sept. 28 of last year, before winning an allowance race on Polytrack at Keeneland.

Tejanos Eliminator ran an even third in an open allowance locally May 26 and will get the services of leading rider Dale Beckner.

Captain Ernie is the only entrant to have won at the distance of the Willy Wank. Trained by Raimondo Sciano-Dicola and ridden by Willie Martinez, Captain Ernie ran third in the inaugural running of the Willy Wank on Sept. 21. Although winless in three sprint attempts this year, Captain Ernie should make the early lead here.