by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Lucky NZ won the $35,000 Preferred Pace in another longshot filled card over an off track on Monday, Jan. 14, at Dover Downs. Klondike Kid, at 31-1, won the $32,500 Delaware Special, with 7-1 Richard Henry N scoring in the $27,000 Open Pace.

Summersby Stable’s Lucky NZ made his first local appearance a winning one, getting up for Ron Pierce in 1:51.4 to win the Preferred, the week’s top race. It was the New Zealand-bred son of Falcon Seelster’s first start since mid-December. Prince Of Luck closed along the inside for Brandon Givens to finish second, beaten only a nose. Dream Rocket and Tony Morgan raced overland from the mid-backstretch and finished third.

Fotowon photo

Klondike Kid was a 1:53.1 winner in the Delaware Special.

In the $32,500 Delaware Special, Klondike Kid pulled Eric Goodell to his third of four wins, coming on after a two-hole trip to notch a 1:53.1 win. Owned by Fred Hertrich, Brooks Stables and Green Racing, it was the second win in a row for the gray Admirals Galley horse. Going off at 31-1, Klondike Kid had been a favorite in his previous four starts. Thin Blue Line cut the mile for Ross Wolfenden to finish second. Mr Apples, who wound up third, never left the rail for Jim Morand, moving up from seventh at the top of the lane to within a length of the winner at the wire.

Recently acquired by WJ McDougall Inc., Richard Henry N, with Ross Wolfenden in the bike, scored a 7-1 victory in 1:52.2 to take the $27,000 Open Pace. Fox Valley Armor, handled by Yannick Gingras, was second with Quality Western and Brian Sears third.

Stonebridge Kisses seeks third straight in $26,000 Distaff Open

Stonebridge Kisses takes on seven rivals, including three newcomers, in the $26,000 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace on Tuesday, Jan. 15. First post is 4:30 p.m.

Last Tuesday, Eric Goodell steered Martin Scharf’s Stonebridge Kisses to an impressive 1:51.4 victory, holding off Rodney Wyatt’s fast finishing homebred Ireneonthemove, piloted by Tony Morgan, with Paul and WJ McDougall Racing Inc.’s Nidya A third.

The new faces in the week’s top distaff event are Sylvia Burke, Howard Taylor and Frank Baldachino’s Fionavar Hanover, who is riding a five-race win streak at the Meadows. Eric Goodell will be her driver. Also among the newcomers are Esther Bier’s Riley Rose, handled by Sean Bier, and Lislea Bella, owned by Carmen Iannacone and D’Elegance Stable IX, who will be leaving from the rail.

Monday through Thursday racing begins at 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday post time is 5:30 p.m. Friday is a dark 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.