Heston Blue Chip Equals Track Record in Matron Stakes

DOVER, DE— Heston Blue Chip equaled the track record to win the $177,275 Matron Stakes at Dover Downs on Saturday, November 12. Allstar Legend finished second, Steelhead Hanover was third and Divulge finished fourth.

Steelhead Hanover, Allstar Legend and Heston Blue Chip all left the gate with speed heading to the first turn. Steelhead Hanover cleared the lead by the quarter in :26.2. Allstar Legend was in second and Heston Blue Chip was in third.

Heston Blue Chip came first over and cleared the lead heading to the half. Steelhead Hanover was in second and Allstar Legend was in third. Hurrikane Kingcole came first over from fourth at the half in :54.1 (:27.4).

Hurrikane Kingcole was wheel to wheel with Steelhead Hanover in second. Heston Blue Chip was untouched approaching three-quarters. Heston Blue Chip took them by three-quarters in 1:21.3 (:27.2).

Heston Blue Chip had the lead in the stretch. Allstar Legend came onto the outside and Steelhead Hanover came up the passing lane. Hurrikane Kingcole was fading fast and Divulge came from nowhere into fourth. Heston Blue Chip was able to hold off Allstar Legend for the win. Allstar Legend finished second, Steelhead Hanover was third and Divulge finished fourth.

Heston Blue Chip is a two-year-old colt by American Ideal out of the mare Shot Togo Bluechip by Cam’s Card Shark. He has earned $287,013 this year. He is owned by Kenneth Jacobs, trained by Linda Toscano and Tim Tetrick was in the bike to win his second Matron on the card in a track record equaling time of 1:50.4

“He raced really well in the race. He’s a good horse and he has proven he is a good horse. I take none away from the other horse [Hurrikane Kingcole], he worked hard to get my horse,” driver Tim Tetrick said.

“We thought we could win this race [with Heston]. We thought we should give him a chance,” owner Kenneth Jacobs said.

“He is a good horse and a pleasure to be around. He is a nice and calm horse. I had confidence that he wasn’t overdriven last week. I thought he would be a little sharper tonight,” trainer Linda Toscano said.