by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Poppy Lustre N, already a winner of three $24,000 Filly and Mare Open pace features this meet, takes on a strong cadre of five rivals in the Tuesday, Jan. 7 event at Dover Downs. First post is 4:30 p.m.

Meet leading driver Tim Tetrick will pilot Poppy Lustre N, owed by Wendy Crissman and Wayne Pryor Estate, from the outside post six in the feature race. The 6-year-old Direct Flight mare scored a wire-to-wire, 1:52.4 victory last week, holding off Chris and Phil Stefani’s Dream-A-While, with Art Stafford, Jr., by a neck.

Perhaps the most impressive performance came from the Steve Warrington-driven Dance Hall, owned by Don Hawk, John Hynansky and trainer Dan Warrington. The Blissfull Hall 5-year-old appeared well out of it turning for home when she rocketed down the lane to within three-quarters of a length from the winner and settled for third.

The other hard-hitting contenders are Shake Away, leased by JoAnn King and JEB Enterprises, and driven by Jim King, and Kellytuck Sophie, owned by M & W Stables, Graham Grace Stables and trainer Bib Roberts, who starts from the rail with Jonathan Roberts in the bike.

Nick Callahan’s Riddlemethat, with Corey Callahan driving, drew the rail in the sub-featured $20,000 Filly and Mare Jr. Open Pace. Two others won last time out. Tom Vine and Crystal Ball Stables’ I’m All In, with two wins and three seconds in her last five races, and Russ and Elaine MacKinnon’s Fantasy Winner, with Herve Filion.

Two well known sports figures own starters. Atlanta linebacker Demorrio Williams and Teague Inc.’s Firiel Hanover, reined by Brad Hanners, has won four of her last seven starts with two seconds, while former Philadelphia Flyers’ NHL star Rick MacLeish and Kathleen Stafford own Ain’t Goin Back, driven by Ben Stafford, Jr., who was second last time out.

Not to be overlooked are Katja Schreyvogel and Bill Seplowe’s Costly Legs, Tim Curtin driving; Kathy Davis’ Seamstresforthepan with Eddie Davis; and Bill and Rich Fritts’ Fritzie Bunnie, handled by Mike Cole.

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.