He Looks (Del)Marvalous
- Wednesday, June 23, 2010 | Standardbred Canada
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Trainer George Teague, Jr. says overlooking Delmarvalous in Saturday’s $1.5 million Pepsi North America Cup at Mohawk Racetrack could be a mistake.
Delmarvalous was second to All Speed Hanover, beaten by three-quarters of a length in 1:49.4, in his Cup elim last weekend. Delmarvalous paced the best final quarter-mile in the field, at :27.1 seconds.
A week earlier in his division of the Burlington Stakes, the colt got parked outside in an opening quarter-mile of :25.2 before getting to the lead as the field reached the half-mile mark in :53.2. He ended up finishing fourth, beaten by 1-3/4 lengths.
Delmarvalous is winless in four races this season. Last year, he dominated the Delaware circuit on his way to eight wins in 11 races and $185,880.
“I think he’s a legit contender,” said Teague, whose sister, Brenda, handles Delmarvalous in Canada. “He hasn’t been the luckiest horse this year, or in the big races. But he’s got enough raw speed. He’s beat up the horses in Delaware and he’s got the potential to do well. As far as speed, I think he can trip out and be a contender.”
Teague, who trained 2006 North America Cup winner Total Truth, owns Delmarvalous with John Celii’s Badlands Racing, Elmer Fannin, and Howard Dorfman. Delmarvalous is a son of Badlands Hanover, who was campaigned during his racing career by Celii, out of the mare Prymetyme Scootie. Celii and Teague teamed up with 2008 North America Cup runner-up Badlands Nitro.
Brian Sears, who drove Delmarvalous in his Cup elim, will take the lines again Saturday. Delmarvalous will start from Post 4.
“Brian is great at putting horses where they can be and do their best,” Teague said. “Speed is [Delmarvalous’] greatest asset, but he’s not lacking in any category. He’s got the class to compete. I don’t see a downside to him.”
Mohawk's 13-dash Saturday program has a first-race post time of 7:10 p.m. Post time for the 27th edition of the Cup (Race 6), the richest pacing event in the world, is 9:40 p.m., The Score Television Network will air a special one and one-half hour telecast nationally from 8:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. (ET).