by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Ladyfield had just enough at the finish line to hold off Poppy Lustre N in 1:51.3 to win the $26,000 Filly and Mare Open Pace at Dover Downs on Tuesday, November 13.

Tony Morgan was content to follow Bikini Bottom as Tim Tetrick cut out fast fractions from the start. On the backstretch, Betting Machine, the only 3-year-old in the race, rolled up on the outside for Jim Morand to prompt the pace, reaching the three-quarters in 1:22.2. As the competitors fanned out turning for home, Corey Callahan took Nanny Withafanny to the outside while Ladyfield found room inside with Poppy Lustre N and Mike Cole roaring down the lane. Only a neck separated Ladyfield, the winner, and Poppy Lustre N at the wire. Betting Machine was a game third.

Ladyfield has climbed up through the ranks since arriving at the track a year ago for trainer Vic Keeler II. Owned by his mother, Joyce, his wife, Linda, and sister-in-law, Kathleen, the Armbro Cadet 4-year-old won her 11th race of the year to bring her seasonal bankroll to $139,011. Three of the feature race starters were difficult to separate in the wagering as Ladyfield, Betting Machine and Nanny Withafanny were all 5-2.

In the first of two $16,000 female paces topping the undercard, Tim Tetrick drove Kash Luv to a 1:53 victory for George Brem. Angkor (Brewer Adams) finished second with Nairobi Hanover (Jim King) third.

Eddie Davis, Jr. guided Valkyrie Hanover to an eased up 1:52.1 victory in the other $16,000 mares pace. Trainer Andrew Stafford owns the 4-year-old by Island Fantasy. Firiel Hanover (Jim Morand) closed well to take second in front of Flirtwithedealer (Tony Morgan).

Four drivers accounted for 10 of the 15 winners. Tony Morgan and Jim Morand had three each. Corey Callahan and Roger Plante had driving doubles.

Valley Sport, Elvis Cole head $26,000 Open Trot

Valley Sport, last week’s winner, and Elvis Cole, last season’s Trotter of the Meet, lead a field of eight in the $26,000 Open Handicap Trot at Dover Downs on Wednesday, November 7. Grand Photo heads the $23,000 Jr. Open Trot. First post is 4:30 p.m.

Tony Morgan wasted no time taking Lloyd Arnold’s Valley Sport to the front, and after fighting off a strong challenge from Delbert Cain’s Go Sassy Go and George Dennis at the three-quarters, pulled off a 1:56.3 score last Tuesday. Go Sassy Go, the only female in the field, held on to finish second with Down Under-import Uncle Petrika N, owned by Bob Aerenson, Ross Weiner and Wendy Crissman, finishing third. All three return this week, as do fourth-place finisher Kennywood, owned by Ken Wood and Henry King and Tom and Gregg Morris’ Safari Heat, the previous week’s winner.

Nick Callahan and Parker Callahan’s Elvis Cole returned to the track after a respite of three months for Corey Callahan and never missed a beat in a 1:55.2, wire-to-wire conquest in the Jr. Open last week with Rose Run Flash, owned by Lauren Allen and Foulk Stable, the runner-up. Mike Cole will drive Rose Run Flash from post one. Mark Moger and Al Delia’s Master Pine, piloted by Tim Tetrick, rounds out the field and leaves from the outside.

Bob Shahan-driven Grand Photo, owned by Jeff and Jewell Marsh and Cindy Issel, returns to action after missing a week in the $23,000 Jr. Open Trot. Ricky Pryor and Wendy Crissman’s veteran Breeze Hill Will and Tim Tetrick, second last week, and Jim Harris and Paul and Jeff Long’s Magic Swan, teamed with Vic Kirby, head the opposition.

Monday through Thursday racing begins at 4:30 p.m. No racing on Friday. Saturday and Sunday post time is 5:30 p.m. There is no charge for parking or admission. Reservations are suggested for the Winner’s Circle Restaurant. Call (302) 674-4600.