Dover: Melvin G polishes off DSBF series sweep

After winning his six previous starts by a combined 26 lengths, Melvin G withstood the toughest test of his rookie stakes campaign in the form of Legend Of Rock, whom he held off by a half-length to win Tuesday's (Nov. 26) $110,000 Delaware Standardbred Breeders' Fund championship for 2-year-old male trotters at Bally's Dover and complete a series sweep.

Sent off the 1-20 favorite for a seventh consecutive start, Melvin G and driver Jim Morand left from post seven and worked to clear Yale (driven by Art Stafford Jr.) just upon entering the first turn. The E L Platinum-Jersey Punk gelding was in complete control well before the end of a 28 1/5 first quarter, and he coasted unopposed through middle splits of 58 1/5 and 1:28 2/5 before facing a stern first-over challenge from 27-1 shot Legend Of Rock (Corey Callahan), who began his ascent from fourth with three-eighths of the mile remaining. Legend Of Rock worked into level terms with Melvin G off the home turn but was rebuffed in mid-stretch as Melvin G responded to secure victory in 1:57 4/5. Legend Of Rock maintained second; Yale was a one-paced third from the pocket, another three-quarters of a length back.

Les Givens trains Melvin G, who now has won seven of 10 starts and earned $162,437 for the partnership of Nanticoke Racing and breeder Legacy Racing of Delaware. He paid $2.10 to win.

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The $20,000 DSBF consolation for 2-year-old trotters went to Blue Collar Boy, who defeated Burly by 5 1/4 lengths in 2:00 4/5 and returned $2.20 as the 1-10 favorite. Tim Tetrick drove the Anders Bluestone-Willow Mill Anna gelding for trainer Dylan Davis, who shares ownership with Shannon Stafford and Michael West.

The final DSBF championship event for 2-year-olds this season is slated for Wednesday (Nov. 27) at Bally's Dover, with seven-time winner Little Miss Peyton leading a field of eight rookie pacing fillies in the evening's sixth of 15 races. First post is 4:30 p.m. EST.

--press release (DSBF)--