by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — It may have been the coldest night of the year, but the racetrack was on fire with fast miles on Monday, Feb. 11, at Dover Downs. Natural Talent, Sniper Hall and Immortal Quest N each won for the second straight week while taking the top three races. Tony Morgan and Brian Sears won four races each, while Tim Tetrick and trainer Josh Green had triples.

Fotowon photo

Natural Talent was a three-quarter length winner in the Preferred Handicap Pace.

Natural Talent repeated his victory in the $40,000 Preferred Handicap Pace as Tony Morgan drove the Nobleland Sam gelding to a 1:51.3 win for Milt Frank, John Fodera, Tony Ferrara and Sam Wienick. It was his third win in six trips this year. Prince Of Luck closed stoutly for Brandon Givens and was second with Sharky Osborne and Tim Tetrick the third-place finisher.

Sniper Hall also made it two wins in a row. After a victory in a winners over pace last week, the Blissfull Hall gelding rolled down the passing lane for meet leading driver Tony Morgan for a 1:52 score in the $37,500 Delaware Special. The win was the second for Morgan. Sniper Hall collared hard working gray 6-year-old Klondike Kid and Eric Goodell by a head at the wire. Art Director with Brian Sears took third.

In the $32,000 Open Pace, Immortal Quest N made it two consecutive impressive wire-to-wire miles as Tim Tetrick put the Sands A Flyin gelding into the lead and cut out a 1:50.4 victory that necessitated a :27.2 final panel to hold off Slickest Hanover and Eric Goodell by a nose. Carter Racing Stable and trainer Bobby Myers own the winner.

Brandon Givens made full use of the passing lane with Winbak Speed when Bobnoxious and Tim Curtin came to the outside to test front-pacing Glass Pack with Tim Tetrick at the top of the lane in the $29,000 Jr. Open Pace. Winbak Speed then sped home a 1:51.3 winner, his third in a row for Neil Gargiulo and trainer Wayne Givens. Glass Pack held on for second with Bobnoxious settling for third.

Pacific Philly is the one to beat in $32,000 Mares Open

Following two straight victories in the Mares Open Handicap Pace, Pacific Philly is favored again in the top event on a strong distaff loaded program on Tuesday, Feb. 12. First post is 4:30 p.m.

Last week, Bob Messick’s homebred Pacific Philly took the lead after the quarter for Eddie Davis, Jr. and then led every step during the rest of a 1:52.4 mile to win the featured race. Paul McDougall Racing and JW McDougall Racing’s Nidya A, driven by Ross Wolfenden, returned after a week off to finish second in front of Dream-A-While, owned by Delco Stables and trainer-driver Art Stafford, Jr.

Tim Tetrick drives Fionavar Hanover for Sylvia Burke, Frank Baldachino and Howard Taylor, from outside post eight. Three Point Acres’ Ultimate Bet, piloted by Tony Morgan, will leave from the rail with Rodney Wyatt’s fast Irenenonthemove and Corey Callahan alongside. Richard Hallahan’s Leanback Coco with Jonathan Roberts, after winning last week’s distaff feature at Rosecroft, and Drivin’ Miss Rudee, with Eric Goodell, complete the lineup.

There are nine starters in the $25,000 Mares Winners Over sub-feature. Katja Schreyvogel’s Touched By Ted with Tim Tetrick won her previous two starts and five of her last six races and is the program pick. Bill and Rich Fritz’s Fritzie Bunnie finished second last week with Lorna Cohen’s Shady Sabrina third. Her driver is Roger Plante.

Jeff Eckburg’s Bikini Bottom and Eric Goodell heads a strong group of contenders. Brandon Givens will drive Millwood Ashley N, a mare he owns with Ed Maas and Nanticoke Racing. Ricky Pryor’s Shesa Troublemaker and Tony Morgan steps up seeking a third straight win. Not to be overlooked are Yada Yada Yada A, Ross Wolfenden driving for Bill Dittmar; Glen Asher’s Mr Deli’s Filly; and Firiel Hanover, owned by Demorrio Williams and Teague Inc., with Jim Morand at the controls.

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