Dover, DE – All eyes were on Major Occasion A who was sent off as the 2/5 favorite in the Mares Open Pace at Dover Downs on Wednesday night (Feb 5).

Valuable Art, last week’s winner left quickly and Delishka N accepted the pocket trip. The first quarter was paced in :26.4. Tim Tetrick rushed past the quarter and Ideal Lifestyle A responded clearing the lead. They led the field to the half in :55  flat.

Major Occasion A, was the first to pull past the half. Dexter Dunn had to urge him on and he accelerated past Ideal Lifestyle A, who offered little resistance. The three-quarters were paced in 1:22.4, with a :27.4 quarter.

Major Occasion A is much the best for Dunn and Norman. Fotowon Photo.

Baron Remy attempted to shadow Ideal Lifestyle ‘s move but could not gain any ground. Moments of Joy, Delishka N and Valuable Art all were out paced in the late stages of the race. Major Occasion A sprinted away from the field and won by four and three-quarter lengths stopping the teletimer in 1:49.4. She was sent off at odds of 2/5 .

Major Occasion A is trained by Nifty Norman and owned by Enzed Racing Stable Inc.

Ideal Lifestyle held on for 2nd. Tim Tetrick drove for trainer Jim King Jr. Baron Remy finished 3rd and was driven by Andrew McCarthy for trainer Ron Burke.

After the race, trainer Nifty Norman was not sure how Major Occasion A would take to the smaller race track. She raced on the mile track previously. The huge smile on his face provided a confident answer.

Racing continues on Thursday (Feb 7) at Dover Downs. Highlighting the 14 race card is the Blue Hen Open Pace in race ten. The feature will be the Preferred Handicap Pace in race 12. Post Time is 4:30 p.m.