by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — After giving up the lead in the final step last week, Cams Little Imp N was in winning form this time as Ross Wolfenden drove a 1:56 victory over a sloppy track at Dover Downs to win the Tuesday, January 27 featured $20,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace.

Deteriorating weather and track conditions — freezing rain and heavy snowfall — forced the track to end the race program following the 10th race.

Dover Downs Photo

Cams Little Imp N was a winner in the Mares Open Handicap at Dover.

In a surprise development, Wolfenden urged the usually late closing seven-year-old Camtastic mare into the lead heading into the first turn. Cams Little Imp N took command and then led at all stations along the way to post her second win of the year in the week’s top female event.

Ann Other Porsche got away near the back of the eight mare field and Brad Hanners pulled her out after the half to make a challenge. The two began to battle at the three-quarters and continued until the finish line with Cams Little Imp N holding on by a neck. Crossfire N (Mike Cole), the third place finisher, was among a three horse contingent lurking behind the dueling leaders as the field turned down the lane. Rain Dance Kim (Travis Bowman), a fast finishing specialist, had to go four wide on the final turn and finished fourth.

Trainer Kay Gannon spotted Cams Little Imp N racing for a $12,500 tag about a year ago. She claimed her for Florence Nitkowski and the combination has been ultra successful since with Cams Little Imp N banking more than $120,000.

Dover Downs Photo

Extravagant Sahbra splashed home in the Mares Winners Over Pace.

In the $15,000 Mares Winners Over Pace, Travis Bowman retook the lead with Extravagant Sahbra at the half and then had to ward off an aggressive challenge from Rondel Franco N (Brad Hanners) from the backstretch to the wire before posting a 1:57³ victory — her second in four starts in 2004 for owners Todd Wise and Jeffrey Franklin. Rondel Franco N was followed by Jett Away (Bret Brittingham).

Margaret and Ed Jewell’s Skedaddle Hanover made good work of the passing lane as Eddie Davis, Jr. steered a 1:58⁴ victory in a $11,300 Delaware Pace. Tossed Out N (Steve Warrington) had led until the closing strides and Hurricane Charlie (Sam Belote) was third.

Richard Roberts’ Ever Onward powered to a 1:58 victory in the $15,000 claiming pace. Jim Morand drove the winner. Sudden Striker (Herve Filion) and Wet Bunny (George Dennis) finished in a dead heat for second.

Monday through Thursday post time at Dover is 4:30. Saturday and Sunday racing starts at 5:30 p.m. There is no live racing on Fridays. 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, ext. 3773.