by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs
Dover, DE — Betting Machine, an 11-1 shot, pulled a surprise in winning the $26,000 Filly and Mare Open at Dover Downs on Tuesday, November 6. Queen Of Tracks won the $16,500 Winners Over distaff pace. Both horses were driven by Jim Morand.
While trainer George Teague was at the Harrisburg sale, his stable’s Betting Machine, owned by Only Money Inc. and Teague Inc., the lone 3-year-old in the field, scored a lifetime best 1:52.1 victory, the third win of the night for Morand. Laydyfield continued her ascent through the ranks, coming on to finish second with meet leading driver Tony Morgan at the controls. Fritzie Bunnie, off at 33-1, was third for Corey Callahan. Race favorites Ireneonthemove, Poppy Lustre N and last week’s winner, Yada Yada Yada A, were out of the money.
The Queen Of Trash appears to have regained the form that made her a top 3-year-old last year, overpowering eight rivals in 1:52 to win the $16,500 secondary feature. Lofty Widget (Jonathan Roberts) was runner-up, with Play For Real (Tim Tetrick) finishing third.
Tim Tetrick picked up one of his five driving wins, guiding Martin Scharf’s Whitesand Jewel to a 1:54 decision in a second $16,500 Filly and Mare Winners Over Pace. Sixteen Candles (Bob Kinsey) closed well to be second in front of Delightful Hope (Allan Davis).
Safari Heat, Kennywood seek to repeat in $26,000 Open Trot
Safari Heat, Valley Sport and Go Sassy Go finished 1-2-3 last week and return again in this week’s top trot, the $26,000 Open Handicap, at Dover Downs on Wednesday, November 7. First post is 4:30 p.m.
Roger Plante took Tom and Gregg Morris’ Safari Heat right to the front last week and then held off a long distance rally from Lloyd Arnold’s Valley Sport to score a 1:57.1 neck victory in the feature. Delbert Cain’s Go Sassy Go came on strong for George Dennis to close to within three-quarters of a length of the winner.
The other starters include Ken Wood and Henry King’s Kennywood, stepping up after an impressive 1:56.1 triumph in the Jr. Open. Cory Callahan drives Bob Anderson’s Uncle Petrika A from the rail, while Tim Tetrick pilots Master Pine, owned by Mark Moger and Al Delia.
Monday through Thursday racing begins at 4:30 p.m. No 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.