by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — For the second time in a little more than two months, driver Mike Cole used the passing lane to direct Crossfire N to victory in the $22,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace at Dover Downs on Tuesday (March 9).

Dover Downs Photo

Crossfire N used the passing lane to win the feature at Dover.

While Hasty Dewar (Kevin Lare) cut out fast fractions of :26², :54⁴ and 1:23⁴, Cams Little Imp N stalked in second place with Crossfire N third. Brad Hanners pulled Cams Little Imp N to challenge on the final turn, permitting Mike Cole to send Crossfire N along the passing lane, where she overtook the other two and sped to a career fastest 1:52⁴ clocking. Cams Little Imp N held second with Armbro View (Jim Morand) overtaking Hasty Dewar for show honors.

The win was the second, along with two second place finishes and two thirds this year for Crossfire N, owned by Wendy Crissman and 49 Racing Stables. She has now banked $35,800 in 2004.

Another highly consistent distaff, George Brem’s Jett Away, posted a 1:53² victory in the sub-feature as Bret Brittingham urged the four-year-old Dream Away mare from off the pace to catch and pass Felicity (Jim Morand) and Nuclear Power (Jim King) in deep stretch for her lifetime mark.

Driver Brittingham won for the second time piloting Judy’s Beach Towel, a horse he owns with Crissy Crissman and Ricky Pryor, to a 1:56⁴ win in a $7,500 Delaware claiming pace.

Angelo Papa’s Delaware-bred Too Boisterous, a son of Shotgun Scott, also used late speed ignited by Brian Richards for a 1:55³ victory in a $12,000 Delaware pace. Fritzie Jaylo (Billy Mann) had the lead at the top of the stretch and held on for second. JK Jack (Ross Wolfenden), a 24-1 shot, closed well to finish third.

Eddie Davis, Jr. shot along the passing lane with Betty Long’s Bellys Up, overlooked at 21-1, to score a 1:55 upset in an $11,000 Mares Pace. Golden Tan (Brad Hanners) was runner-up. Tug River Dell (Kevin Sizer) saw her three race win streak end and was claimed.

Dover Downs Photo

Frisky Fella was alone at the wire in the top trot on Tuesday.

Trainer-driver Sam Beegle’s fast but erratic Frisky Fella was just fast this time, notching a 1:57³ victory to win the top trot, a $10,500 contest. The Sierra Kosmos gelding overtook CC’s Chuckie T (Kevin Sizer) just past the three-quarters and then pulled off to victory. Ringside Leah, with female driver Leah Vandervort handling the reins, was a strong second. Linbo (Bruce Trader) finished third at 43-1 odds.

Monday through Thursday post time at Dover is 4:30 p.m. Friday is a dark day. Saturday and Sunday racing starts at 5:30 p.m. There is no charge for parking or admission. Reservations are suggested for the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and the 4-star Dover Downs Hotel. Call (302) 674-4600.