by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs
Dover, DE — Ultra-consistent Cams Little Imp N notched her first 2005 win, besting six foes to win the $22,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace at Dover Downs on Tuesday, January 18. Hasty Dewar was at her best in taking the $15,000 sub-feature. In the Mares Open, Ross Wolfenden taxied Cams Little Imp N out of fourth and raced on the outside through the backstretch to engage Tawny (Brad Hanners) at the three-quarters and then on the final turn rolled on by to score a 1:54 victory for trainer Wayne Whitson and owners Lester Walls and Jack Upchurch. Crossfire N (Sean Bier) closed well to finish second in front of last week’s winner Rondel Franco N (Hal Belote).
Cams Little Imp N won nine times last year, finished in the money in 23 of 34 races, and banked $143,690. In her career, the Camtastic eight-year-old has won $330,861.
Brooks Stables’ Hasty Dewar won for the third time in four starts, romping to a 1:53.3 triumph in the sub-featured $15,000 Mares Winners Over Pace. Kevin Sizer sped past leader Toy Dragon (Steve Warrington) heading to the last turn and then opened up a commanding lead. Nuclear Power (Eddie Davis, Jr.) came on to finish second in front of greatly improved Mapua Magic N (Ross Wolfenden).
In a $12,000 distaff pace, a strong surge in late stretch by Bluebird Wanda enabled the four-year-old His Mattjesty mare to catch front-pacing RN Artist (Roger Hammer) in time for a 1:55.2 victory. Hal Belote drove the winner for David and trainer Jeff Clark. Noble Surfer (Eddie Davis, Jr.) finished third.
Robert Figliozzi and Richard Roberts’ Village Blitz won the $17,500 claiming pace as Steve Warrington drove his second win of the night, guiding the five-year-old Village Jiffy gelding to an impressive 1:53.4 victory by open lengths. Hunka Hickling N (George Dennis) was second with Chicka Chicka (Travis Bowman) the third horse.
The biggest price of the night came when Max Walton’s 28-1 shot Iwannaholdyourpan, driven by George Dennis, zoomed from last in a field of eight to first at the finish line in a 1:55.1 mile to win a $12,500 claiming allowance.
$40,000 claimer, $11,500 trot, $10,800 pace top Wednesday card
Variety is the spice of the Wednesday, January 19 card at Dover Downs. Post is 4:30 p.m. A $40,000 claimer, an $11,500 trot and a $10,800 pace for four and five-year-olds head a 15 race program.
Perfect Cam steps up after being claimed last week by Greg Simendinger following his third win in a row. He attempts to keep streaking in the $40,000 claimer. Steve Warrington will drive the Cam’s Card Shark gelding, meeting Baldachino, Outten and Green Racing Stable’s The Cammissioner with Jim Morand; Dom Rafanelli’s Galactic Council N, handled by Roger Plante; and Nick Callahan’s sharp Life Moves On, driven by George Dennis, who has won two of his previous three starts.
A strong group of opponents is led by Gary Minner and Pete Richardson’s Coopers Creek N and Greg Callahan; Roy Parker’s Maverick Seelster, Eddie Davis, Jr. driving; and Howard Levine and Golden Goose Enterprises’ Mr Doitforus, with Brad Hanners, getting his best post position in three starts.
Rodney Mitchell’s Elijay Ed, driven by Kenny Mitchell, and WJ McDougall Racing’s Youmustbekidding, with Vic Kirby, round out the field.
The longest win streak by a trotter is on the line in the $11,500 feature trot. Racsan Jenny (Steve Warrington), owned by Don Hawk, John Hynansky and trainer Dan Warrington has four straight successes under her belt. So Striking won his last start in 1:55 for owners Rich Crammer and trainer-driver Bob Reeser. Ken Wood and Howard Perlmutter’s R Little Am Lo (Eddie Davis, Jr.) raced gamely from the outside finishing third last time, but again must leave from post eight. Main Gate Red Rock (Wayne Truitt), owned by Holly Ventura and trainer Elmer Wilson, has also been right there in his recent outings.
The rest of the field boasts upset credentials. Max Walton’s Bullville Sue (Daryl Bier), William Moffett’s D’Amico Cucina (Tim Curtin), Ginger Tree Stable’s veteran Frisky Fella (Sam Beegle) and Kim Book’s Meadowagogo (Hal Belote) make up the rivals.
Brenda Teague’s Wildest Dreams (Ross Wolfenden) won last time to boost his record to two of three and three wins in his last five outings. The Dream Away gelding faces Jeff Bartels and Red Hot Stable’s Hy Bert (Tim Curtin) and Mike Moffitt and Ron Millman’s Mr Romantic (Brad Hanners) in a Delaware $10,800 four and five-year-old pace.
Monday through Thursday post time at Dover Downs is 4:30 p.m. There is no racing at Dover on Fridays. Saturday and Sunday starting times are 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.