Dover: Cattlewash holds off challengers in Matron victory

Cattlewash delivered as a heavy favorite in the $179,600 Matron for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers on Thursday night at Dover Downs, posting a 1:48 3/5 decision.

Driver David Miller sent Cattlewash away fast from post five, but he had to work until after the 26 second opening quarter to finally clear pole position starter Tattoo Artist (Yannick Gingras). The tempo remained fast after that, with Cattlewash getting to the half in 53 4/5 as Captain Barbossa (Joe Bongiorno) began a first-over move and No Lou Zing (Dexter Dunn) tracked him from second-over.

Captain Barbossa's bid was a strong one, and he was able to advance into second before the 1:20 4/5 three-quarters, but Cattlewash kept him at bay at that marker and around the final bend. No Lou Zing was sent three-wide by Dunn on the far turn and began to get into contention, and Tattoo Artist was biding his time waiting for the passing lane.

In the stretch No Lou Zing began to mount a serious rally and was closing at Cattlewash with every stride, but Cattlewash dug in gamely when asked and managed to stay in front to the end, defeating No Lou Zing by a head. Tattoo Artist could only mount an even finish and wound up third, with Captain Kirk (Tim Tetrick) back in fourth and Elver Hanover (Chris Page) fifth.

Ron Burke trains Cattlewash, a Somebeachsomewhere colt, for owner/breeder W.J. Donovan. Cattlewash posted his tenth victory from 28 career starts, and he has now pocketed $799,777. He paid $2.80 to win.