by Marv Bachrad, for Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Nike Franco N stepped out of the distaff ranks to beat the top pacers at the track in the $30,000 Preferred Handicap at Dover Downs on Thursday (Dec. 1) while Sicily held off the opposition to take the $27,500 Delaware Special.

FotoWon Photo

Nike Franco N knocks out males at Dover Downs on Thursday at Dover Downs to keep her perfect record on this continent intact.

Driver Tim Tetrick sent Nike Franco N, who is unbeaten in the United States, out of fourth along the passing lane to reach the finish line first in a personal best 1:51. It was her third consecutive win since leaving New Zealand.

Ideal Cowboy cut out some of the early lead fractions for Vic Kirby and also closed on the inside to just miss. Bettor’s Edge came on strongly on the outside for Yannick Gingras for third. Dancin Yankee (Cory Callahan) led turning for home, but had to settle for fourth place.

Owner Rich Polluci purchased Nike Franco N and didn’t race her until mid-October. In three starts versus female rivals, the McArdle-Nearea Franco 6-year-old overwhelmed her opponents. Trainer Jim King was forced to move her to the top class event.

In intercontinental races, Nike Franco N has now won $135,429 this year and $365,243 in her career.

Allan Davis recorded his third win on the card piloting Sicily, an Art Major-Capri Hanover 4-year-old gelding, to victory in 1:51.3 in the $27,500 Delaware Special. He edged the fast-finishing veteran Mustang Art (Sean Bier) and front-pacing Remember Me VK (Montrell Teague) at the wire. It also was the third win for trainer Wayne Givens and second for owners Reg Hazzard and Legacy Racing.

Soto took the early lead and was not caught in a 1:5.1 wire-to-wire triumph with Art Stafford Jr. driving the Rock N Roll Heaven-Incredible Beauty 4-year-old owned by Ken Wood, Bill Dittmar, Steve Iaquinta. It was the second win of the day for the driver and trainer, Eric Ell. Arque Hanover (Callahan) was runner-up. Race favorite Wakizashi Hanover (Tetrick) closed strongly but had to settle for third.

Allan Davis, Tim Tetrick and trainer Wayne Givens had three wins each. Art Stafford Jr. trainers, Jim King and Eric Ell as well as owners Reg Hazzard and Legacy Racing had doubles.