Lost Weekend, with Carlos Eduardo Lopez, finished second a neck in front of Midnight Trouble, with Jeremy Rose, in third.  The final time for the six furlongs was 1:10.75 over a fast main track.

“This horse has shown exceptional ability since got him and he just keeps getting better,” said winning trainer Andrew Simoff.  “Around the turn and going by the 3/16ths pole, I was thinking maybe they were going to catch him, but he kicked back in.  It was like he was loafing out there.  He still does not really know what he is doing yet.  He should really move up off of this race and who knows, he may want to go two turns.  We are not sure where he will go next.  We are going to give it a few days and then decide.”

Purchased for $67,000 as a yearling last September, Howgreatisnate is out of the Tapit mare Bee Dees Bid, herself a two-time winner. While Howgreatisnate took only mild betting action on debut — he went off as the 5-1 third choice in a field of five — he was a clear favorite in this spot. The win pushed his earnings to $84,000.

The John Robb-trained duo of Riccio and Bandits Heart finished fourth and fifth, respectively. In their prior start, they had occupied the top two spots in the Dover Stakes.

Click here for more information on the Delaware Certified of Bred Thoroughbred Program (DCTP).