from harness publicists across North America

Monday’s (Jan. 3) edition of Racing Roundup features results stories from Dover Downs and The Meadows.

Vlos takes Preferred Handicap at Dover

Dover, DE — Vlos required the passing lane to win the $35,000 Preferred Handicap, Nova Artist came from off the pace to take the $32,500 Delaware Special, while Schoolkids emerged from a four horse photo to win the $26,000 Open Handicap at Dover Downs on Monday.

Fotowon photo

Vlos was a narrow winner in 1:51.

Tony Morgan scooted Vlos away from the gate to get the first lead and relented to Dali and Ron Pierce quickly. Dali then cut all the fractions, including a :28.4 final panel, only to be nipped by Vlos in the final strides at the wire in 1:51.

A 13-race winner and 26 times 1-2-3 during his 2010 campaign, Vlos won for the fourth time with three seconds and a third in his last eight starts, most of those races in top class events at Pocono and Harrah’s Chester. Eric Mollor trains the now 7-year-old by Dragon Again-Sweet Tender, owned by Nancy Spaziani. With the win he raised his career bankroll to $301,258. Dali was a game second in front of Riggins, driven by David Miller.

Allan Davis bided his time during the opening half before moving Nova Artist three wide on the backstretch and the Real Artist-Avon Lady 4-year-old zoomed past his rivals to a 1:52 conquest in the $32,500 Delaware Special. Martin Davis trains the winner of four in a row for owners Eddie and Kathy Davis. Funny Deacon (Corey Callahan) pressed the winner in the stretch and finished second in front of Village Blast (Ron Pierce).

KDM Stable’s Schoolkids won a four horse photo finish in 1:52.3, taking the $26,000 Open Handicap Pace. Andy Miller drove the I Am A Fool-Game Bunny horse for trainer Nick Surick. Bad Rusty (Corey Callahan) was runner-up. Southwind Lynx (Montrell Teague) led until the final strides before relenting to finish third.

— Marv Bachrad

The Meadows
Golden Receiver, who closed out 2010 with two straight victories, kicked off the 2011 season Monday at The Meadows in much the same fashion, capturing the opening day $22,500 Preferred Handicap Pace in front-end style. Dave Palone sent Golden Receiver to the lead in a :26.2 opening quarter, but the swift early pace had no adverse impact on the 6-year-old Village Jove-Royal Gold gelding. He cruised home in 1:51.2, 1-1/4 lengths ahead of Marty’s Charm, with Major Ideal a rallying third. Mark Harder trains Golden Receiver, who now boasts career earnings of $397,975, for Stable 45, Richard Taylor, Stephen Springer and Nina Simmonds. Palone launched his 2011 campaign with customary brio, driving six winners on the 15-race card.