Weigelia wins a tough one

Weigelia lived up to his low odds by winning Saturday's $54,000 Hockessin Stakes at Delaware Park, but it sure wasn't as easy as expected.

After stalking early leader Southern Missile under a snug hold by jockey Ramon Dominguez, Weigelia moved up to challenge on the far turn of the six-furlong race. But Weigelia was unable to put Southern Missile away, Dominguez dropped his whip in midstretch, and Weigelia and Southern Missile battled head and head the length of the stretch. At the wire, Weigelia, between horses, held off the late run of Joey Carson by a head, with Southern Missile another nose back in third. The entire five-horse field was separated by just over a length at the finish.

Weigelia, trained by Michael Trombetta, paid $3.60 to win and was timed in 1:10.06 over a fast track. Second choice City Weekend was never a factor and finished last.

The victory was the 11th of the 5-year-old Weigelia's 33-race career and his second from six starts this season. He has now earned $827,580.