from harness publicists across North America

Monday’s (Feb. 20) edition of Racing Roundup features results stories from Dover Downs and The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park.

Pair of repeat winners in twin features at Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Ise The By Boy and Nova Artist repeated their victories from last week in the Monday twin features at Dover Downs.

Ron Pierce executed a perfect drive, guiding Ise The By Boy to his fourth consectuve victory and second straight in the $30,000 Preferred Pace.

The 5-year-old altered son of Mach Three-Lee Fieste took the lead before the clubhouse turn, and after being under pressure from Tim Tetrick-driven Mainland Key N, had just enough to outlast four rivals in deep stretch for a 1:51.3 triumph. Lou’s Bad Yankee and Jon Roberts was second in the tight photo with Southwestern Dream, handled by Ross Wolfenden, third. Delivered From Zin (Corey Callahan) was fourth and Mainland Key N was fifth.

Ken Wood, Bill Dittmar and Steve Iaquinta claimed the winner last Summer and after clearing a physical problem the Eric Ell trainee has enjoyed a perfect winning month of February.

Nova Artist took the lead early for Allan Davis in the $30,000 Delaware Special. After taking the front at the quarter the Real Artist-Avon Lady 5-year-old was never headed in a 1:51.2 performance, scoring his second straight and third win of the year. Eddie and Kathy Davis own Nova Artist, who is conditioned by their son, Martin.

Cams Art (David Miller) raced second the entire mile while Jolt (Ross Wolfenden) jetted to the initial lead and then was shuffled to the back of the field before streaking down the lane to finish third.

— Marv Bachrad

The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park
With Wally Hennessey’s 8,000th lifetime winning drive now out of the way, the milestone watchers at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park are turning their attention to Joe Pavia, Jr. The 51-year-old horseman from Utica, N.Y., will soon be joining the 5,000 lifetime win club in the bike and he’s now within a dozen after a thrilling Mares Open Handicap Pace on the Monday program in South Florida. Billie Blue Chip, a former Pennsylvania Sire Stakes champion also trained by Pavia, was sent to the top in :26.4 and :55.1. In the final half, Billie Blue Chip was joined for a toe-to-toe battle with Nillabomb (driven by Wally Hennessey) to the final turn in 1:23.4 before finally prevailing in 1:53. Best Around, last week’s winner in the Monday evening feature, followed in next for Jason Dillander for the show spot. Billie Blue Chip, by Western Hanover-Molly Can Do It, is now a 23-time career winner of more than $544,000. Ownership is shared by Dijo Stable, Michael Rich and Steven Held. In addition to the approaching wins milestone, Pavia is also poised to surpass $32 million in career purse earnings in the drivers’ seat. Just where Pavia will join the 5,000 win club is open to speculation as he’ll be shipping his stable to his northern base at Pocono Downs within a month.