by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Yada Yada Yada A, Shake Away and Poppy Lustre N, winners of the last three $24,000 Filly and Mare Open Paces, match strides in the first Tuesday feature of the New Year on Jan. 2 at Dover Downs. First post is 4:30 p.m.

The previous two winners used a change in tactics to win the track’s top distaff event. Last week, Bill Dittmar, Steve Iaquinta, Henry King and Ken Wood’s Yada Yada Yada A, a usual front pacemaker, came from last at the three-quarters to streak to a 1:52.1 victory with Ross Wolfenden. The week before, Jim King took Shake Away, leased by JoAnn King and JEB Enterprises, quickly into the lead and never looked back for a 1:51 victory, her lifetime best. The clocking was only two-fifths of a second off the track and world record for a mare pacer over a five-eighths-mile oval.

Poppy Lustre N, owed by Wendy Crissman and Wayne Pryor Estate, came within a head of her fourth victory of the meet in last week’s feature, with Tim Tetrick driving.

Don Hawk, John Hynansky and Dan Warrington’s Dance Hall, with Steve Warrington, was a close third, only a half length behind, while Kellytuck Sophie, with the sport’s leading dash driver in 2006, Tony Morgan, was fourth, three-quarters of a length from the winner in the tight photo.

Chris and Phil Stefani’s Dream-A-While, piloted by Art Stafford, Jr., and Paul McDougall and WJ McDougall Racing’s Apache Dame complete the lineup.

Nick Callahan’s Riddlemethat, with Corey Callahan in the bike, returned to form in last week’s $20,000 Filly and Mare Jr. Open, finishing second with Newman Racing’s Binions and Jim Morand right behind. Teague Inc.’s Firiel Hanover steps up after a 1:52.4 win last week with Jim Morand driving. Bill and Rich Fritts’ Fritzie Bunnie will be heard from, leaving from the rail with Tim Tetrick. Costly Legs, driven by Tim Curtin, returns to local action while Three Point Acres’ Ultimate Bet, reined by Tony Morgan, must overcome starting from post eight. The other starters are Kathy Davis’ Seamstresforthepan, with Eddie Davis, and GE’s Jen, driven by Eddie Davis, Jr.

There are two $15,500 paces for mares on the card. Two of the starters in one posted a win last time out. Crissy Crissman’s CC’s Can’tcatchme (Sean Bier) and Playus A Happytune (Bob Kinsey Jr.) both won longshot events. Fantasy Winner, with Herve Filion driving for Russ and Elaine MacKinnon, and Bob Collins’ West Coast Arturo (Brad Hanners) are among the nine starters.

In the other $15,500 contest, a mare owned by former Minnesota Twins World Series winning manager Tom Kelly along with Margaret Mancini, Sheba Troublemaker (Frank Milby) and another owned by former Philadelphia Flyers all-star Rick MacLeish and Kathleen Stafford, Ain’t Goin Back (Ben Stafford) hook up. Tony Domino’s Love And Lust N (Tony Morgan) was an impressive winner in her last outing as was Rich and Pat Arndt’s Rafaella Seelster (Tim Tetrick). George Hobbs’ promising Benear (Eddie Dennis) makes her return to the races for the first time since last June.

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 non-live racing day at the track. There is no charge for parking or admission. Reservations are suggested for the Winner’s Circle Restaurant. Call (302) 674-4600.