Rivalry between trainers Tony Dutrow and Jerry Hollendorfer to be renewed at the Delaware Oaks
The last time trainers Tony Dutrow and Jerry Hollendorfer competed was when Blind Luck and Havre De Grace battled it out in the Grade 2 Delaware Handicap on 16th July, 2011, where the victory was notched by Hollendrofer’s Blind
Luck by a small margin of a nose.
Dutrow had all hopes pinned on his charge, Havre De Grace, and thought he had won the race but, was disappointed by the result.
Now, the two trainers will have another encounter in the Grade 2 Delaware Oaks on 14th July, 2012, which covers a distance of 1 1/16 miles on a dirt surface.
Dutrow is really hoping that he gets to saddle a winner at Delaware Park and, in order to improve his chances of succeeding; he has entered Grace Hall, Singlet and Wicked Mizz, while Hollendorfer has entered Via Villaggio.
The real battle will be between Grace Hall and Via Villaggio, since both of them come to the track in winning form.
Grace Hall, who is owned by Michael Dubb, Bethlehem Stables LLC and The Elkstone Group LLC, succeeded in the Grade 2 Gulfstream Oaks on 31st March, 2012, where she completed the 1 1/8 mile course in 1 minute and 49.63 seconds.
The daughter of Empire Maker also delivered a commendable performance in the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks, where she finished third over the distance of 1 1/8 miles and, was defeated by, Believe You Can, who won and, Broadway's Alibi, finished as a runner-up.
Via Villaggio, the three-year-old filly has competed in four starts and, started exhibiting her potential in the last two starts.
Over seven furlongs, she succeeded in the Grade 3 Railbird Stakes on 19th May, 2012, and completed the race in 1 minute and 23.03 seconds.
The daughter of Bernardini, foaled by mare Hoh Buzzard, stood in third place in the Grade 2 Hollywood Oaks in June, 2012.
It will be interesting to see the rivalry renew between these two trainers. Winning at Delaware Park would mean the world to Tony Dutrow, since he has a bond with this venue. He commented on this as he said:
“It would be very special and may be a little overwhelming for me to be able to win one.” Dutrow commented: “We have come close before, so hopefully we will be able to get it done this Saturday.”
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