by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs
Dover, DE — All Systems Go NZ and Art Of Gold won the $20,000 claiming co-features, while Yare took the $13,500 conditioned pace on Saturday, March 27 at Dover Downs.
Cantwell Bridge Stable’s All Systems Go NZ made good use of starting from the rail as Brad Hanners piloted the 10-year-old gelding to his first local win and fifth of 2004 in 1:532, the first of the twin claiming features. John Walters A (Mike Cole) was runner-up with Shams Francisco (Ross Wolfenden) third.
Art Of Gold, owned by David Perdue, Randy Wothers and Harness The Power, made a power move on the backstretch for Ross Wolfenden to take the lead and then draw off for a 1:534 win in the other $20,000 claimer. Hawaiian Buddy (Vic Kirby) was second. Moe Knows (Kevin Sizer) came on in the stretch to finish third.
George Dennis, driving Yare, rolled three wide heading to the three-quarters to loop the leaders and then pulled away for a 1:534 victory in a $13,500 four and five-year-old pace. Lamaze Hanover (Jim King) was second best. Rivival Hall (Vic Kirby) was third.
Fred Hertrich’s Allamerican Coach scored a 1:551 success in a $10,800 Delaware Pace with Billy Mann guiding the winner. Gold Bar (Les Givens) was second with Reachforthestars (Eddie Davis, Jr.) taking third.
Howard Taylor’s Da Baby notched a fifth consecutive win in a $15,000 claiming allowance. Jim Morand opened up in the stretch, coasting to a 1:55 triumph. Scootin Bob (Eddie Davis) finished second in front of Merton Hanover (Vic Kirby).
A four race win streak by Costly Legs (Steve Warrington) ended in mid-stretch when the three-year-old filly was overtaken by How About Gal, driven by Rusty Thomas for Bob Larrimore, in a 1:554 win in a $9,500 Mares Pace. Yankee Checkers (Eddie Davis, Jr.) and Gamble (Ben Stafford, Jr.) were second and third respectively.
Saturday and Sunday racing at Dover starts at 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday post time is 4:30. Friday is a dark day. 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.