by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Crossfire N overtook Hasty Dewar at the top of the stretch and pulled away for a 1:53³ victory in the $25,000 Mares Open Handicap on Tuesday, March 23 at Dover Downs. Nuclear Power was a winner in the $18,500 sub-feature.

Dover Downs Photo

Crossfire N was an easy winner in the Mares Open Handicap Pace.

Mike Cole moved Crossfire N, owned by Wendy Crissman and 49 Racing Stable, to the outside heading to the final turn and then drove three wide to engage the leaders at the head of the stretch before taking the lead. It was no contest in the lane. Cams Little Imp N (Brad Hanners) shook loose along the passing lane to finish second in from of Hasty Dewar (Kevin Sizer).

Dover Downs Photo

Nuclear Power rallied in the lane to take the Mares Winners Over Pace.

Nuclear Power closed with a rush on the far outside to catch and beat eight foes in an $18,500 Mares Winners Over sub-feature pace. Ross Wolfenden drove the No Nukes six-year-old homebred for William Moffett Inc. Felicity (Jim Morand) was the place horse. Scissor Magic (Brad Hanners) cut out the early pace and held on for third.

In a $13,700 Delaware Pace, Doris Rice’s Scotian Slick led off the program with a 1:54⁴ victory teamed with Hal Belote. Circum Navigator (Eddie Dennis) was second with Bubbaonthemove (Brad Hanners) finishing third.

Kokanee Creek, owned by Don Hawk, John Hynansky and trainer Dan Warrington, came on in the stretch to overtake My Gal Phyl in a 1:53² mile to win a $12,000 Mares Pace. Seasin (Roger Plante) raced third the entire mile.

Roger Hammer, who drove two winners during the program, took RN Artist right to the front and never looked back for a 1:54 triumph in a $10,000 Fillies and Mares Pace. It was the Real Artist four-year-old’s first win of the 2004 season. Dragon Feast (George Dennis) was runner-up. Chessy Rose (Brad Hanners) was the show finisher.

Express Fire A, owned by Harold Snyder, Clayton Goad and trainer Mike Hall, was at the top of her game, scoring a 1:54⁴ win in a second $10,000 Mares Pace. Pastrami Hanover (Kevin Sizer) and Scootinannirevonah (Bobby Shahan) were second and third respectively.

Monday through Thursday post time at Dover is 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday racing starts at 5:30 p.m. 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.