Harrington: Killer Stripes stays perfect after DSBF success

Andrew Stafford, Thomas Ireland and Bonnie Benson's Killer Stripes ($3.20, Art Stafford Jr.) was the faster of two $20,000 Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund (DSBF) 3-year-old pacing filly winners Tuesday at Harrington Raceway and remained unbeaten in her young career.

Killer Stripes overcame post seven early to make a comfortable lead. She would stay on top throughout as Hold My Wine gained first-over and pressed the leader gamely in the stretch but would come up a head short at the wire. Killer Stripes notched her fourth straight victory for trainer and co-owner Andrew Stafford. The Badlands Hanover filly has banked $80,000 lifetime and was three-for-three in her freshman campaign last season.

Stephen Messick's Misty Coast ($2.20, Stafford Jr.) prevailed in the second split off an overland trip. She surged on the final turn and was a three length winner over Kims Secret Search and No Gel Nikki in taking her ninth career win. The Powerful Mist filly stopped the timer in 1:56 4/5 for trainer Les Givens.

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In the overnight feature, the $20,000 Mares Open, James Magno and Joseph Fonte's Incaseyoudidn'tknow ($5.40, Jim Morand) was a 1:51 4/5 winner over Divine Deo and Feeling Sweet. It was the fifth win of the season for the 5-year-old Always B Miki mare trained by Les Givens.

Pat Berry, Allan Davis and Art Stafford Jr. each had three wins on the card.

Four divisions of 3-year-old trotters will complete the first leg of DSBF action Wednesday, June 14. The second leg of DSBF stakes will take place June 19-21, with the $100,000 finals on July 27.

--press release (Harrington)--