by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Sean Bier piloted Fox Valley Hermia to victory in the rain over a “sloppy’ track on Monday (Jan. 26) in the $18,000 Mares Open at Dover Downs. Ron Pierce drove four winners.

Fotowon photo

Fox Valley Hermia was a 1:53.1 winner in the Dover feature.

Bier sent Fox Valley Hermia past front-pacing Jeremes Sweetheart (Jonathan Roberts) in mid-backstretch, then opened up a quick lead. The 5-year-old then survived a strong closing effort from Mach A Wish (Corey Callahan) to notch a 1:53.1 triumph. Jeremes Swetheart held on for third. Handsoffmycookie was scratched.

Nick Surick conditions the 5-year-old chestnut mare for Ervin Miller. The win was the first of the year in four starts for the daughter of Yankee Skyscaper-Hidden Princess. She has 22 lifetime successes and earnings of $176,214.

Trainer Surick began a three-win night when Vic Kirby guided Twin B Heartland to a 1:54.1win in a $14,500 mares pace for her second win in a row. Owned by Harvey Eisman, Bert Hochsprung and Ervin Miller Stables, the Bettor’s Delight-Twin B Inmate 4-year-old won for the third time in six starts this meet. McArma (Ross Wolfenden) came on fast to finish second with Get Real Rusty (Eddie Davis Jr.) third.

Megan Deering’s Velocity Sonja gave Allan Davis his second winning drive on the card in a $12,500 mares pace. It was the fourth win in five starts for the Art’s Chip-Trelise Hanover 4-year-old trained by Dylan Davis. Hidden Land (Roger Plante) was runner-up. Seawind Ginger (Wolfenden) was the show horse.