Dover, DE – Scuola Hanover scorched a select field of seven, in the Mares Invitational Pace at Dover Downs on Wednesday (Nov. 10). At the start of the race, three horses blasted off the wings for early race position. She’s Pukka N, Marloe Hanover and a three-wide JK First Lady.

Scuola Hanover wins the Mares Invite at Dover Downs on Wednesday night. Fotowon photo. 

The three-some shattered the first quarter beam in :25.2. David Miller and JK First Lady reached the half in a sizzling :53.1. At the five-eighths marker, Tim Tetrick, who left the gate and settled into the fourth position at the quarter, maneuvered Lyons Sentinel to the outside. She was in full attack mode and sprinted past a tiring JK First Lady at the three quarter beam in 1:21.4.

However, Art Stafford Jr. and Scuola Hanover quietly shadowed Lyons Sentinel near the top of the stretch. Scuola Hanover grinded past Lyons Sentinel in the stretch, but had to hold off a late charging Soho Burning Love A, stablemate to Lyons Sentinel.

Scuola Hanover won by three-quarters of a length and a winning time of 1:49.4. She was only three-fifths of a second off the track record for aged pacing mares at Dover Downs. Scuola Hanover (A Rocknroll Dance) is trained by Andrew Stafford and was driven by his brother Arthur Stafford. She is owned by Arthur C, Andrew J. Stafford and Thomas L Ireland all from Harrington Delaware. Soho Burning Love A finished second for trainer Jim King Jr. and driver
Victor Kirby.

Lyons Sentinel, the 1/5 favorite, picked up the show spot for trainer Jim King Jr and driver Tim Tetrick. Thursday night Dover Downs hosts four divisions of Matron Stakes. They are races 6,8,10,12, and feature Breeder’s Crown winners Bella Bellini and Test Of Faith. Charlie May headlines the 12th race Matron Stake for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers. Tim Tetrick had five winners on the card.

There is a $1,866 Pick-4 carryover into the second race on Thursday (Nov.11).