Meadowlands: When Dovescry holds off Atlanta for TVG Mares Trot title

When Dovescry took the lead prior to the half and fended off a challenge from Atlanta around the final turn and through the stretch to win Saturday's $175,000 TVG Series championship for female trotters by one length in a stakes-record-equaling 1:51 4/5 at the Meadowlands.

Atlanta finished second and Bella Bellini, a 3-year-old filly taking on the mares, was third.

Breeders Crown Mare Trot winner Felicityshagwell S led the field to the opening quarter in 27 1/, taking the top spot ahead of Hypnotic AM and Next Level Stuff after the three left the gate quickly for position in the first turn. When Dovescry was fourth, but driver David Miller had the 5-year-old mare moving toward the front before reaching the quarter.

Once on top, When Dovescry reached the half in 56 seconds and three-quarters in 1:24 on the way to her eighth win in 18 starts this season.

"I was a little disappointed in the Breeders Crown. I misread the race and ended up in a bad spot and she raced real well," Miller said, referring to When Dovescry's third-place effort on Oct. 30 at the Meadowlands. "After the way she raced in her last start (winning in 1:51 2/5 at the Big M on Nov. 12), I thought I would give her her best shot.

"She got to the lead and was able to get a breather in. When Atlanta came, I took off. I didn't want (Atlanta) swelling up beside me. So, we took off and my mare just raced her heart out through the stretch. She knows what to do."

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When Dovescry is trained by Brett Pelling and owned by John Lengacher. A daughter of Muscle Hill out of Cedar Dove, she was bred by William Weaver III. She has finished off the board just once in her 18 starts this year and earned $514,014.

For her career, she has won 20 of 47 races and $1.63 million.

"I've got to give credit to Brett," Miller said. "He's kept her sharp all year, and he's got her really sharp right now. He told me coming out onto the track that she's in super form. All that figured into my strategy of racing her."

When Dovescry, the 8-5 second choice behind 4-5 Atlanta, paid $5.40 to win.