Dover: Analysis for Thursday's 3-year-old Matron stakes

Most of the top 3-year-olds in Standardbred racing will be at Dover Downs on Thursday, November 12 for four divisions of the Matron series. The fields include this year's Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks winners as well as a Breeders Crown winner. Post time at Dover is 4:30 PM.

Race 4: $163,050 Matron 3-Year-Old Filly Trot

(5) SORELLA came up second best to Next Level Stuff in the Breeders Crown but really lands in a great spot tonight. Driver Yannick Gingras will certainly be gunning her to the front and she should be sitting no worse than second. (8) RAMONA HILL hasn't been seen in over four weeks, but trainer Tony Alagna wouldn't have entered her if she wasn't 100% sound. Hambletonian winner needs to be on the top of her game to overcome post 8. (1) CRUCIAL comes up a bit short on talent but has an inside post advantage that could place her in striking position at a price. (3) GUINEVERE HALL hasn't been up to the task lately but does get Dexter Dunn in the bike this week.

Race 6: $162,350 Matron 3-Year-Old Colt Trot

(3) AMIGO VOLO comes into this 12 days after winning the Breeders Crown in this division. He's been on an insane roll and seems difficult to go against since he'll likely get plenty of respect on the track. (2) JULA TRIX TREASURE finally lands an inside post and I expect he'll be forwardly-placed at a price. (7) PLAY TRIX ON ME has been second or higher in 11 of 14 starts this year. I'm inclined to play against from the outside post but he deserves respect.

Race 10: $154,450 Matron 3-Year-Old Filly Pace

(1) PARTY GIRL HILL suffered the first loss of her career last time in the Breeders Crown when used hard through fast fractions. Landing post 1 tonight, she can wait for the dust to settle and make one winning move. (6) LYONS SENTINEL seems likely to race from off the pace and could be looking at live cover from (3) JK FIRST LADY, who got back in the win column last week at Hoosier after a three-race dry spell.

Race 12: $179,600 Matron 3-Year-Old Colt Pace

(3) NO LOU ZING gets a narrow call in a close-knit race due to a potential tactical advantage. If driver Dexter Dunn leaves, he's likely to be sitting first or second and if he tries off-the-pace strategy, he should be able to get cover from #1 or #2. Either way, he seems likely to get a clean trip. (5) CATTLEWASH has proven to be the fastest horse in the race when he wants to show up. He'll be heard from in this spot but might not be worth the odds-on price. (2) CAPTAIN BARBOSSA is a capable horse sure to be somewhat overlooked in the wagering. He's definitely worth consideration in multi-race bets.