Dover, DE — Backstreet Shadow was impressive in winning back-to-back in the $32,500 Preferred Handicap Pace at Dover Downs on Thursday night (Feb. 20).

Backstreet Shadow hit the wire first in 1:49.4. Fotowon photo.

It was a change of tactics by driver Dexter Dunn as he sent Bettor Memories, normally a closer, on the lead at the quarter in :26.3 while Bo Mach accepted the pocket trip. Backstreet Shadow, the 1-2 race favorite, left from post six and settled in third, but not for long.

Tim Tetrick allowed an eager Backstreet Shadow to get his way and he responded, pulling at the quarter then leading the field to the half in :54.2. Backstreet Shadow intimidated the field as they remained on the rail.

Closing Statement and driver Andrew McCarthy angled to the outside past the half and raced without cover. They offered little concern for Backstreet Shadow. He confidently took the field to the three-quarters in 1:22.4 and hit the wire first in 1:49.4, last quarter in :27.

In the stretch, Bettor Memories angled off the rail but was in futile chase and finished second for driver Dunn and trainer Nifty Norman. Bo Mach saved ground on the rail and finished third for Callahan and trainer Dylan Davis. Wiggle It Jiggleit was a non threatening fifth.

Slick Tony prevailed in the $30,000 Blue Hen Open Pace on Thursday night.

There was a three horse scramble for the early lead as Manverick, Proper One and Sicily played tag. Sicily proved fastest and took the lead at the quarter in a fast :26.1. Proper One was then launched at the quarter pole by Andrew McCarthy and led the field to the half in :54.1. Slick Tony took his cue past the half and surged alongside of Proper One. They paced to the three-quarters in 1:22.2. Q’s Cruise followed second over and was ready to pounce on the leaders.

In the stretch, Slick Tony cleared for the lead and won by 2-1/2 lengths. He was sent off as the even odds favorite. Slick Tony is owned and trained by George Leager. George Napolitano Jr. was the driver. Q’s Cruise finished second for trainer Jim King Jr. and driver Tim Tetrick. Manverick finished with energy and closed to be third for driver Corey Callahan and trainer Bruce Saunders.