Racing Roundup: Harrington meet resumes
August 16, 2009,from Harness Publicists across North America
Sunday’s (August 16) edition of Racing Roundup features results stories from Harrington Raceway, Rockingham Park and Ocean Downs.
Harrington meet resumes
Harrington, DE — Harrington Raceway’s 63rd year of live racing ended its hiatus Sunday with a 15-race program.
Fotowon photo
Buckmaker was a 1:54.1 winner on Sunday for Brandon Givens.
After a summer reprieve, Harrington resumed its summer/fall meet with its 55th day of live racing this year. Fans showed up early for a hat giveaway and families were out in full force attending the family fun day at the track which included a variety of free entertainment.
As for the racing, Nanticoke Racing’s Buckmaker ($4.00, Brandon Givens) won the fastest race of the night in a $20,000 claiming event, which ended in a four length score for the Les Givens trainee.
Givens, Jon Roberts, Eddie Davis, Jr., Victor Kirby, Frank Milby and Jim Morand each had driving doubles.
Racing will continue on a Sunday through Thursday schedule. Post time is 5:15 p.m.
— Matt Sparacino
Andover America wins featured trot at Rockingham
Salem, NH — Andover America won the featured $9,000 event on Sunday and his fourth race at Rockingham Park this season when he wore down the heavily favored Slim Down in deep stretch to prevail by a half-length.
The 4-year-old gelding trotted the mile in 1:57 on a fast track on a very hot and humid afternoon and gave leading driver Bruce Ranger his third victory on the 10-race card.
Trained by Stewart Nemiro for owner McTrade Enterprises Inc., Andover America turned the tables on Slim Down, who was the prohibitive 1-5 favorite in the field of five. In each of two previous starts at The Rock, Andover America had finished second to Slim Down and owner-trainer-driver Jim Hardy.
Sent off at 5-1 as the third choice in the wagering, Andover America returned $13.80 and he has now won four of his nine starts in 2009 after not racing at all last year. The Pennsylvania-bred son of Andover Hall and the Lindy Lane mare Armbro Array upped his lifetime record to nine wins in 17 starts. He now has career earnings just shy of $98,000.
Live racing returns on Wednesday with a 10-race card and post time of 1:05 p.m.
— Lynne Snierson
Rusty’s Doll comes from behind to win at Ocean Downs
Berlin, MD — Driver Wayne Long won back-to-back races at Ocean Downs Sunday evening. The sixth race ended with Rusty’s Doll coming from behind the pack, with Long in the sulky, to steal the win.
Starting in the five hole, the 6-year-old mare trained by Jeff Whaley got off to a slow start. Seein Stars, driven by Mark Gray, took control of the race early and paced the field to the first quarter in :28.1. The 3-1 morning line favorite, Wild West Gal, sat in the pocket patiently waiting.
Seein Stars led at the half-mile (:58.1), but was passed by Bunafide Artist and Ray Robinson, Jr. before reaching the three-quarter marker (1:27.1), while Wild West Gal began to fade. All the while, Rusty’s Doll made short advances until just before the final turn, when she turned on the afterburners.
Rusty’s Doll ($8.00) chased down Bunafide Artist in the homestretch and won the race by one length (1:56.3). The win was the mare’s second win at Ocean Downs this meet and fourth overall in 2009. Rusty’s Doll is owned by Vincent Bradley Stable.
Wayne Long also won on Sunday with 5-year-old mare Circle M Sweetie ($3.80). The win was the mare’s second victory this meet. Circle M Sweetie is trained and owned by Deweese Butler.
— Ozi Menakaya