Dover: Gaitway Guy finishes perfect campaign with DSBF title

Gaitway Guy faced a stout challenge from Ajayi heading into the far turn in Monday's (Nov. 21) $100,000 Delaware Standardbred Breeders' Fund series final for 2-year-old male pacers at Bally's Dover, but he remained resolute through the final turn and capped his undefeated rookie season with a 1:55 3/5 score.

Getting away from the pole in the field of seven, the Delmarvalous-Brussels Hanover gelding yielded to two outside leavers before driver Corey Callahan opted to make his move.

"I just wanted to get away as close as possible," Callahan said. "Timmy (Tetrick, driving Delightinhisglory) grabbed the lead and looked like he had his horse settled, so I made my move, and it was pretty much over from there."

Delightinhisglory worked through a 27 4/5 first quarter to clear Night Terror (driven by Roger Plante), and Gaitway Guy brushed from third shortly thereafter to clear the lead with a lap to go in the one-mile race. After a 57 4/5 half, Gaitway Guy was forced to accelerate nearing the far turn as Ajayi (Montrell Teague) posed a major first-over threat, making up six lengths to work nearly even with Gaitway Guy at three-quarters in 1:26 3/5. Undeterred, Gaitway Guy found more, digging in to rebuff Ajayi's challenge and opening a three length lead in the stretch while driven out. Delightinhisglory reclaimed second late over Ajayi, who leveled off after his sustained bid.

Following Gaitway Guy's seventh career win in as many starts - one that lifted his bankroll to $142,400 - Jeff Smith indicated that the GTY Stable homebred took some early conditioning to develop the demeanor of a champion.

"He can get a little bumpy or on a line at times, but he's got the ability," he said. "He's done it every start. He was a bit of a problem child early, but he's come around."

Gaitway Guy, who has now gone off at 1-9 odds in five consecutive starts, returned $2.10 across the board.

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In the $20,000 DSBF consolation, Notte's Mist overcame an eventful trip before drawing away to a decisive 1:55 3/5 win. He was embroiled in a three-way battle through a 27 second quarter, ultimately taking back to third while Sweetest Swing pushed forward for control. After a 57 second half, Notte's Mist was shuffled into midfield as Marshal Dillon mounted a first-over charge to the lead, but Trae Porter found room to slide the Powerful Mist-A La Notte Hanover colt off the pegs at three-quarters in 1:25 4/5. Once clear, Notte's Mist found another gear, overtaking Marshal Dillon at head-stretch and winning by a widening 7 1/4 lengths. Showdown Lynx rallied up the open stretch to collar a stalled Bad Boy Too for third.

Wayne Givens owns two-time winner Notte's Mist, who paid $4.00 to win, for owner-breeder Reginald Hazzard.

Both $100,000 DSBF finals for 2-year-old trotters are slated for Tuesday (Nov. 22) at Bally's Dover. Fillies will line up in the eighth event on the 15-race card; colts and geldings will square off in the 10th race. First post is 4:30 p.m. EST.

--press release (DSBF)--