by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Pukpuk Power N notched a 1:52.3 victory in the $23,800 Delaware Winners Over Pace at Dover Downs on Sunday, March 30.

Fotowon photo

Pukpuk Power N was a 1:52.3 winner on Sunday for Tim Tetrick.

After three straight starts from outside post eight, an improved starting position in the $23,800 feature proved the winning tonic for Joel and Dianne Halpern’s Pukpuk Power N with Tim Tetrick guiding the victory. The Armbro Operative gelding scooted past leader Ima Prince Too (Tony Morgan) on the backstretch and then moved away to a decisive victory, his first of the year. Menno Boy closed fast for Eddie Davis, Jr. to finish second. Mr Socks and George Dennis took third money.

Real Magician was strong in the stretch for Brandon Givens, closing for a 1:53.2 win in the $19,500 4- and 5-year-old pace. Neil Gargiulo and trainer Wayne Givens own the Real Artist gelding. Cathedral Grove (Corey Callahan) nipped Art Crown Merit (George Dennis) for second-place honors.

Ed Gold and driver Ben Stafford, Jr.’s Jersey Gal came through with a win in her first start of the season, a 1:54.2 score in a $16,000 4- and 5-year-old mares pace. Cathy’s Gigolo (Tony Morgan) was runner-up. On Stage Sizzle (Eddie Davis, Jr.) was third.

$40,000 Open/Preferred Handicap in Monday spotlight

Three of the biggest money-winners this meet collide in the $40,000 Open/Preferred Handicap on March 31, the next to last Monday of the 2007-08 Dover Downs meet.

The leading contenders for Horse of the Meet honors are among the seven starters in the featured pace. Carter Racing Stable and trainer Bobby Myers’ Immortal Quest N has won five times since early February with Eddie Davis, Jr. driving. Sharky Osborne, with Tim Tetrick piloting for Gary Minner and Pete Richardson, has also been a frequent winner at this level.

Teague Inc.’s Mr Apples steps up following three Delaware Special wins. Last week, Eoos, owned by Ken Wood, Bill Dittmar and Steve Iaquinta, rolled to victory in the Jr. Open with Ron Pierce, while the previous week, WJ McDougall’s Richard Henry N collected a 1:51.3 triumph. Ross Wolfenden will drive. Dave Panlone finished second with David Miller in the bike for Jim Stambaugh and Milt Leeman.

Carter Racing’s Rusty’s For Real returns in the $37,500 Delaware Special Handicap, again driven by Tim Tetrick. Ultra steady Klondike Kid, owned by Fred Hertrich, Brooks Stables and Green Racing, just missed by a neck last time with Eric Goodell. Kovach Stable’s Art Director and Brian Sears finished third in the photo.

Neil Gargiulo and trainer Wayne Givens’ Winbak Speed with Brandon Givens driving, second last time, continues a highly successful meet. Johnny Waite’s Noble Tess with Eddie Davis, Jr. drew the rail while Yannick Gingras-driven Thin Blue Line, owned by Paul McDougall and WJ McDougall Racing, cannot be overlooked.

Six days a week, until the meet’s closing day April 10, Saturday through Thursday racing starts at 5:30 p.m. Dover Downs live racing is dark Fridays. There is no charge for parking or admission. Reservations are suggested for the Winner’s Circle Restaurant. Call (302) 674-4600.