Dover Downs: Downbytheseaside goes out a winner in Hap Hansen Progress Pace

Downbytheseaside wrapped up his career on the racetrack by taking Thursday evening's $308,060 Hap Hansen Progress Pace for 3-year-old colt pacers in 1:48 3/5, tying his lifetime mark. Trainer Brian Brown swept the top two finishing positions as his Fear The Dragon was second.

Starting from post two in the field of eight, Downbytheseaside (Chris Page) got away in third as Blood Line (Mark MacDonald) stormed to the lead from the far outside post, chopping out an opening quarter in 26 2/5. As soon as they went by that marker, Page pulled the trigger with Downbytheseaside, and he would advance into the lead before the 54 2/5 half went up on the board.

Fear The Dragon (David Miller) came first-over out of fifth at the half, and was able to get up to second as Downbytheseaside clicked off three-quarters in 1:21 2/5. Fear The Dragon dropped into the pocket in front of a retreating Blood Line on the final turn and looked to chase down his stablemate in the final quarter, but it was to no avail as Downbytheseaside remained strong, winning by 4 1/2 lengths. Mac's Jackpot (Brett Miller) brushed from last at the half to third at the wire, and he was followed by Western Joe (Yannick Gingras), and Geez Joe (Andy Miller).

"The horse is obviously just really sharp right now," remarked Page. "Congratulations to the connections - Brian and everybody. It's a great way to end the year. This is a little special. It's the biggest win of my career, so it's awesome. You guys saw it tonight; this late in the year and coming out and winning in 1:48 3/5. He's been managed well, and he's just a good horse."

The winner is a Somebeachsomewhere colt trained by Brown for owners Country Club Acres Inc., Joe Sbrocco, Richard Lombardo, and Diamond Creek Racing. This was Downbytheseaside's 22nd victory in his 35th try, and he has now banked $2,179,558. Dispatched at 1-5, he returned $2.60 to win.

"Being the last race, it'll be one that really sticks out," said Brown. "There were other races that will stick out too, but what a mile both horses went. Fear The Dragon, what can you say? Off all that time, he came first-up. David told me after the race, 'I thought I could pace in 49 tonight, but I thought I'd win.' Seaside was really good tonight, and he wound up with a better trip. Fear The Dragon was great, Seaside was great. It's been a fantastic year with the whole barn. I wish all of my people were here to celebrate this with us.

"I haven't had three horses (Downbytheseaside, Fear The Dragon, and top 3-year-old filly Blazin Britches) like this that could do what they've done this year in the major races."

While Downbytheseaside is definitely headed off to stallion duty, Brown did leave the door open for Fear The Dragon to return, saying that owner Bruce Trogdon of Emerald Highlands Farm hasn't decided 100% either way.

There were also four $100,000 Delaware Standardbred Fund finals for 2-year-olds raced on the card, with wins going to:

--Star Sapphire (filly trot) in 1:59 for driver Russell Foster, trainer Tui Stone, and owner/breeder Serendipity Stable

--Sky Marshal (colt trot) in 1:56 4/5 for co-owner/trainer/driver Carlo Poliseno and co-owner Carol Dunavant

--Go Sandy Go (filly pace) in 1:53 4/5 for driver Jason Green, trainer Josh Green, and owners/breeders Wm Outten and Green Racing Inc.

--Slick Tony (colt pace) in 1:51 4/5 for driver Russell Foster and breeder/owner/trainer George Leager