by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — A favorite and a longshot won $35,000 Progress Pace eliminations, while the Matron Stakes sophomore eliminations took on a ‘Northern look’ with two Canadian-owned 3-year-olds and three Ontario-based drivers scoring wins at Dover Downs on Sunday, November 4.

Artzina was a 1:51.1 winner for John Campbell in a Progress Pace elim.

In the first of two $35,000 Progress Pace elims, Artzina, trained by Dylan Davis and the winner of the Matron at 2 last fall, was on the engine for Hall of Famer John Campbell, roaring to a 1:51.1 triumph for Kal Liebowitz and Marc Rubach. Forensic Z Tam (Pat Lachance) was runner-up with Sutter Hanover (David Miller) taking third. Proven Lover (Yannick Gingras) made next week’s final by finishing fourth.

The second Progress Pace elim was without locally owned $1.3 million winner Southwind Lynx, who was an early day scratch. A 10-1 shot, Artist’s View, driven by Yannick Gingras for owners Bill Rufenacht and DM Stables, scored an upset in 1:51.1. Kenneth J (Ron Pierce) left from post eight as the prohibitive wagering choice and led until Rusty’s For Real (Tony Morgan) rolled up on the outside to offer a serious challenge. The Real Artist colt took command heading down the stretch until a fresh Artist’s View came on strongly to take the lead deep in the lane. Rusty’s For Real held second, while Ghee’s House (Brian Sears) was third and the fast finishing Arts Mattjesty (Jody Jamieson) took fourth.

Vulcanize rallied for Steve Condren to defeat Pampered Princess in 1:55.

The rest of the nine stakes program belonged to Matron Stakes elims. In a $25,480 Filly Trot, Vulcanize, a Muscles Yankee filly, came from far back to overtake a spread out field in mid-stretch and charged past odds-on favorite Pampered Princess (John Campbell) for a 1:55 victory. Steve Condren drove the filly for trainer Bob McIntosh and owners Lothlorien Equestrian Centre. Pampered Princess had led from the start and weathered a challenge on the backstretch from Ms Virginia (Tony Morgan). Turning for home, six horses fanned out in the lane with Vulcanize coming fastest of all to score her ninth win of the year, raising her earnings to $569,949, all in 2007. Pampered Princess was second and Vanity Plates (Tim Tetrick) finished third.

Next, Canada’s winningest driver, Jody Jamieson, piloted Pippiwhitestockngs into the lead and the pair had just enough to hold off Loch Katrine (Cat Manzi) by a short nose in 1:56.1. Danae, after breaking stride before the start, caught up to the field at the start and moved into third along the inside as the race unfolded. Tim Tetrick pulled the Hambletonian Oaks winner to the outside after the half and she trotted roughly on the leader’s flank and held on for third. Race favorite Gerri’s Joy (Yannick Gingras) had to settle for fourth.

The third $25,480 Matron Filly Trot was won impressively in 1:56.3 by Godiva Hall, trained and driven by Trond Smedshammer for the Oldfords and North South Partners 2. Pembroke Spice (George Brennan) had late trot to finish second. Early leader Southwind Serena (Yannick Gingras) was third.

Up Front Larry won the first of two $36,725 Matron colt trots as Tim Tetrick guided the son of Andover Hall home easily in 1:55.4 for Ed Mullinax and Jean Cloutier. Photo Maxx (Marcus Johansson) closed with a rush to finish second in front of Manfinity (George Brennan). Race favorite Mythical Lindy (David Miller) cut out most of the mile before fading to fourth. Program favorite Green Day was scratched.

Brian Sears drove L&L DeVisser’s Great Success to a 6-1 victory in a second colt trot section. The Self Possessed colt overtook Prayer I Am (John Campbell) in mid-stretch on the way to his first win this season and lifted his seasonal bankroll to $280,146. Ogham (David Miller), the public’s choice, was third with Standpoint (Trond Smedshammer) fourth.

Adam Victor and Son Stable’s Little Miss Dragon gave John Campbell the first of his two wins, steering the 1:51.2 victory in a Matron filly pace. Campbell wheeled the Dragon Again distaffer to the outside at the three-quarters to overtake Tidewaterdragonfly (Brian Sears) on the final turn and then held off eventual runner-up Hana Hanover (George Brennan) for the win. Art’s Fantasy (Tony Morgan) was third with Before Dawn (Ron Pierce) fourth.

Foto Won photos

Alexis Hall ran her winning streak to five with a 1:52.1 score.

Keith Oliver, an Ontario regular, took Alexis Hall right to the front and never looked back, negotiating the mile in 1:52.1 to win the other $29,031 Matron filly pace. Owned by Alan Wallace, the victory was the fifth in a row and 12th this season in 16 races for the Cambest filly. Isabella Blue Chip (David Miller) stalked the winner from the start and finished second with Whycantiforgetyou (Jody Jamieson) finishing third. Lislea Phia (Ron Pierce) was fourth.

All four lucrative Matron 2-year-old finals are set for next Saturday, Nov. 10, with the $350,900 Progress Pace finale and three Matron 3-year-old championships settled on Sunday, Nov. 11.

Monday through Thursday racing starts at 4:30 p.m. with no live 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.