by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Tight finishes marked the Tuesday, April 8, distaff features at Dover Downs.

Fotowon photo

Pacific Philly (#4) was a nose better than Dream-A-While and a neck ahead of Ball Gown A in the Mares Open.

In the $32,000 Mares Open, Eddie Davis, Jr. pulled Bob Messick’s Pacific Philly out of fifth after the half and followed Dream-A-While with Tim Tetrick, who was battling race favorite Ball Gown A and Eric Goodell for the lead.

The trio fanned out in the stretch with Pacific Philly closing the fastest to win a three-mare photo in 1:51.2, her lifetime best. Dream-A-While was right there for second and Ball Gown A was inches back in third. The win was the third of 2008 for Pacific Philly, now a winner of $89,260 this year and $497,979 in her career.

Eric Goodell, who notched a driving double, guided Jeff Eckburg’s Bikini Bottom to a 1:52.2 score, her first of the season, in another tight finish in the sub-featured $24,000 Winners Over Pace. Tug River Aussie also came from off the pace for Jonathan Roberts to finish second while Corey Callahan got Poker Mom going late and closed with a rush for the show spot.

Fritzie Bunnie, a 14-1 shot owned by Bill and Rich Fritts, won a tight three-horse photo in the $22,000 mares pace. Mike Cole drove the Precious Bunny-sired winner to her second win in 2008. Playus A Happytune closed between horses for Bob Kinsey, Jr. to just miss. Unn and Tony Morgan was a head back in third.

Saint Johns Boy leads $25,000 trot on Wednesday

A strong field of nine vie in the $25,000 Winners Over Trot, on the final Wednesday of the current Dover Downs meet on April 9. First post is now at 5:30 p.m.

M & M Harness Racing’s Saint Johns Boy scored a 1:55 win with Tim Tetrick last week and drew post one while Passito recorded a 1:56 triumph for Joe Rybak and Bill Seplowe. Jonathan Roberts will drive the gelding from post nine in the second tier. Broke As Usual A turned in his best effort since returning to the races after more than a half-year absence. Roger Plante will drive for Paul McDougall and WJ McDougall Racing.

Following two races at the Meadowlands, Brite Speed N is back with Brandon Givens driving for Preston Walls and Nanticoke Racing. Colleen and Paul Chambers’ Sweet Daddy Siki has been razor sharp of late and will be driven by Jim Morand. Moneyball, owned by Tom Ceraso and John Giumarra, led for much of the mile last time with Mike Cole.

The other contenders are J & E Stable’s Go Nano Go with Eddie Davis, Jr., Albert Hanna’s Honolulu Hunk and Corey Callahan, and Joe Zicchino, Wayne Chrebet, Mike Buhse and Kevin McDermott’s Stunt Man Hall, with Tony Morgan from post eight.

The Dover Downs 2007-08 season comes to a close on Thursday, April 10, with daily racing beginning at 5:30 p.m. There is no charge for parking or admission. Reservations are suggested for the Winner’s Circle Restaurant. Call (302) 674-4600.