The other stakes are the First State Dash Stakes for 2-year-olds to be run on Thursday, September 29 and the New Castle Stakes, for 3-year-olds & up, and the Tax Free Shopping Distaff, for fillies and mares 3-year-olds & up, to be run on Friday, September 30.  The week showcasing the best of the best in Delaware racing will culiminate with the 30th Owner’s Day on Saturday, October 1.

Bound by Destiny has been installed as the 3-2 morning line favorite in the Small Wonder.

In her first career outing, Bound by Destiny posted a 14-length triumph in a five-furlong $25,000 maiden claiming race at Delaware Park on July 1.  The Kentucky-bred daughter of Lord Nelson trained by Anthony Pecoraro followed with a head victory in a 5 ½-furlong allowance at Delaware Park on August 10.  In her most recent outing, she won the Delaware Certified and Bred restricted $50,000 Blue Hen Stakes by 5 ¾ lengths on August 31.

“She is doing extremely well,” said trainer Anthony Pecoraro.  “Since the Blue Hen, she has continued to move forward and develop.  I have always been impressed with how intelligent she is and how quickly she learns.  Since her last start, she has continued to develop not only physically, but mentally. We are hoping that she will show that to everybody in the Small Wonder.  We could not be happier with her right now.”

Bound by Destiny will leave from the rail with Jeremy Rose aboard. Blue Hen runner-up Chickieness is the 3-1 second choice for the leading trainer-and-rider combo of Jamie Ness and Jaime Rodriguez. Blue Hen show horse Skylar’s Sister, an impressive first-out winner on the turf, is 5-1 on the morning line. Yan Aviles will ride for Dale Capuano.