by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

DOVER, Del. — Goalfish made his first appearance in the winner’s circle in 2004 as Jacquie Ingrassia piloted the classy Armbro Goal gelding closer to the half-million win mark scoring a 1:55.2 victory in the $23,000 feature trot on perfect night of racing, Wednesday, March 3 at Dover Downs.

Dover Downs photo.

The 1:55.2 mile by Goalfish was just three-fifths of a second off the track record.

Goalfish, one of four horses that left, tucked in third before the quarter then moved out to take the lead on the clubhouse turn. Goalfish then opened up a 2-length lead by the three-quarter and pulled away to an easy 5-length conquest in 1:55.2 to win the $23,000 Open/Handicap Trot. Prank Player (Ross Wolfenden) sat second the route with Private Pennant (Mark Lancaster) next. The victory was the first for Goalfish, owned by Mrs. Ingrassia and Arden Homestead Stable, since the gelding won at Rockingham Park last summer. The win was three-fifths of a second off the track record set by Sonoran Sunrise in 2001 and equaled last November by Magician winning a Classic Series elim.

In the first of two $10,800 Delaware paces, Tug River Jim enjoyed a perfect trip behind Fait Accompli from start until halfway home when Ross Wolfenden took the passing lane route to get to the finish line in 1:52. Fait Accompli (Tim Curtin) shook off a bid by Melt Down from the quarter to the three-quarter mark and Jim King launched Atenothnbutdscootr three wide to challenge the leader. Tug River Jim won for owners Wilson and David Clark. Fait Accompli held second with Atenothnbutdscootr third.

In the second $10,800 Del. edition, Ronnie Mac A made owners Crissman Inc. and WJ McDougall Racing, trainer Tim Crissman, and driver Mike Cole a winner for the second time after a 1:53.3 victory. Allamerican Campy (Roger Plante) was second. CB’s Julius (Ray Guenn) took third. It was the second win of the day for the owner, trainer and driver.

Cantwell Bridge Stable’s Kokocabana destroyed a field of nine in a $25,000 Delaware Claiming Pace with a wire-to-wire 1:52 victory with Brad Hanners the passenger. Scotchontherocks (Mike Cole) finished a beaten second with Silent Dex (Art Stafford Jr.) third. Following the race Kokocabana changed barns for the third consecutive time. There were eight claims on the seven-year-old Beach Towel gelding.

Mike Hall’s Princess Cindy Lu, a three-year-old Shady Character filly, won her second straight in a yet unbeaten career and never was headed in a 1:56.4 victory in a $6,800 3-4-5-Year-Old Pace. Tarport Dorothy (Toby Lynch) was second with Rocky Ridgerunner (Eddie Dennis) third.

Monday through Thursday post time is 4:30. 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.