Meadowlands: When Dovescry defeats Manchego in Steele Memorial

When Dovescry, last year's Hambletonian Oaks champion, came back on Hambletonian Day 2020 to upset Manchego in the $166,550 Dr. John R. Steele Memorial for open trotting mares at the Meadowlands. The final time was 1:50 flat.

Driven by David Miller, When Dovescry settled into the two-hole behind Plunge Blue Chip (Ake Svanstedt) prior to the 26 4/5 opening quarter and then wound up in third after Manchego (Dexter Dunn) brushed from fourth to first, crossing down to the pylons just past the 54 3/5 half.

Manchego looked to be strong around the far turn and led to the 1:23 three-quarters, with When Dovescry advancing into second from first-over at that point, but Manchego didn't have her usual pop in the lane and was worn down, with When Dovescry taking command. From there, When Dovescry had to stave off a rail rally from Plunge Blue Chip, which she did, winning by half a length. Manchego had to settle for third, followed by Kenziesky Hanover (Corey Callahan) and Princess Deo (Andrew McCarthy).

"My mare, I'm really high on her, myself," said Miller. "I thought she would give a good run today."

Brett Pelling trains When Dovescry, a 4-year-old daughter of Muscle Hill, for owners Yves Sarrazin, Dumain Haven Farm, Singh and Soulsby, and John Lengacher. This was her 11th win from 23 career starts, and she has now earned $1,053,856. She was sent off at 9-2 and paid $11.20 to win.

"She's a beautiful mare and beautiful to be around. She's kind, her manners are fantastic, and she just trots great. Our plan this year really was only race her six or seven times and really get her ready at five. So far it's working out good," offered Pelling. "There's a race next week at Tioga, so we'll play it by ear how we come out of this. There's not many races and they're spaced apart. We're really looking forward to taking her to Lexington. That's the primary goal."

Pelling also had high praise for Manchego after getting the better of her on this day.

"Manchego's amazing. I just love watching her and her gait," he remarked. "Being a horse trainer, to watch her has just been a treat for the last three years. For whatever reason they can't be 100 percent on song every day."