Dover, DE — Shartin N, the top horse in the Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown poll, brushed to the lead on the backstretch and was never caught in defeating a field of seven top mares in a $40,000 Invitational on Wednesday (Nov. 13) at Dover Downs.

Shartin N glided to a powerful victory by 2-1/4 lengths in 1:49.4. Fotowon photo.

The combined lifetime earnings of the participants was more than $6 million. Caviart Ally defeated Shartin N in her last two starts and trainer Jim King Jr. could not tell which Shartin N would show up after her warm-up drills.

As the race unfolded, Apple Bottom Jeans (Corey Callahan) left alertly through a :26.4 opening quarter. Caviart Ally (Andrew McCarthy) lingered on the outside then made her move as Apple Bottom Jeans yielded the lead. Shartin N settled in fourth through a pedestrian :55.3 half.

At the five-eighths pole Shartin N took her cue, as driver Tim Tetrick and his mount stormed past Caviart Ally, reaching the three-quarters in 1:22.1 and pacing a :26.1 individual quarter. It was all over for the field as Shartin N glided to a powerful victory by 2-1/4 lengths in 1:49.4. Kissin In The Sand and driver Dexter Dunn bravely tested Shartin N, pulling first up to take the place spot. Caviart Ally held for third.

The next chapter for Shartin N will be in the TVG final for mares at The Meadowlands on Nov. 23.