Dover: Gaitway Gal polishes off DSBF sweep

Much like her little brother, Gaitway Guy, did in the November Delaware Standardbred Breeders' Fund series for rookie pacing colts and geldings, the GTY Stable's homebred Gaitway Gal swept through the fall DSBF series for 3-year-old pacing fillies, capping that sweep with a 1:55 3/5 win in Wednesday's (Dec. 14) $100,000 divisional championship at Bally's Dover.

Pat Berry floated Gaitway Gal into third early while 36-1 longshot Odds On Surfer Gal (driven by Corey Callahan) strode clear from post seven to control a 27 3/5 first quarter. Gaitway Gal brushed to the fore with a lap to go and controlled a 56 1/5 half before fending off a stout first-over challenge from 2-5 favorite Shabby Chic (Tim Tetrick) through three-quarters in 1:25 4/5.

After shrugging off Shabby Chic's challenge through the far turn, Gaitway Gal asserted herself in the stretch and won by 3 1/2 widening lengths. Shabby Chic preserved second; Odds On Surfer Gal maintained third after gapping the pocket behind the backstretch duel.

Gaitway Gal has now won 11 of 18 career starts and has banked $227,304. Jeff Smith trains the Delmarvalous-Brussels Hanover filly, who paid $5.20 to win as the 8-5 second choice.

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In the $20,000 consolation, Smokey's Passion won gate-to-wire in 1:57 2/5, defeating Spin Girlfrin' by a widening three lengths. Tony Morgan drove the Roddy's Bags Again-Ash Larue filly, who paid $3.60 to win, for owner Jeffery Clark and trainer Eric Davis.

The 2022 DSBF season culminates Thursday (Dec. 15) with the $100,000 championship event for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings, carded as the 10th race on a 14-race card at Bally's Dover. First post is 4:30 p.m.

--press release (DSBF)--