by harness publicists across North America

Wednesday’s (Nov. 12) edition of Racing Roundup features results stories from Dover Downs and Batavia Downs.

I’m So Striking wins second straight Open at Dover

Dover, DE — I’m So Striking, a 3-1 winner last week, was overlooked at 11-1 in a 1:55.2 success in the $18,000 Open trot at Dover Downs, Wednesday, Nov. 12. Victor Kirby had a four–race ‘slam.’

Trainer-driver Eddie Dennis patiently waited as Enrico AS (Allan Davis) cut out the early fractions. Modest Prince (Tony Morgan) took over heading to the final turn as the field began to bunch. Dennis took I’m So Striking four-wide turning down the lane and won the battle to the finish line in 1:55.2 with a fast finishing Tirade Hanover (Corey Callahan) storming down the stretch for second. Modest Prince held on for third.

I’m So Striking is an E&K Stables and Lois and Earl Walters’ homebred So Striking-Ringside Katie 5-year-old gelding. The win lifts his earnings to $82,250 this season and $233,138 lifetime.

In the sub-feature trots, Victor Kirby won his fourth of the day guiding Pounce Hanover, a 4-year-old altered son of Majestic Son-Playwood he owns with Chris Giaccio and Mike Hill, to a 1:55 victory besting Futuristic Bride (Corey Callahan) and Abbi’s Gabbi (Art Stafford Jr.) in the first of two $14,000 3,4&5-Year-Old Winners Over trot.

Sarah’s Hall gave Sean Bier his second win on the card notching a 1:56.2 verdict in the other $14,000 trot. The victory was the third of the campaign for the Broadway Hall-Go Get Sarah mare owned by Jim Marsh. She has banked $42,305 this year. Classy Filly (Callahan) was second in front of Wartech (Tony Morgan).

Crissman Inc.’s Dnieper got up in the final strides for a 1:54.4 decision giving Morgan his second win. The Kadabra-Phoenix Hornline gelding edged front-trotting Baximum (Allan Davis) for his fifth win of the year. Cash On Delivery (Vince Copeland) came on strongly for third.

In addition to Kirby’s four wins, Morgan finished with three and Ross Wolfenden had a double.

A power-packed field of eight led by last week’s winner, Just A Jolt, Bandolino and Nova Artist, vie in the $26,000 Delaware Special, the Thursday feature race.

Live racing Monday through Thursday begins with a 4:30 p.m. post. Sunday Racing starts at 5:30 p.m. There is no racing Friday and Saturday.

— Marv Bachrad

Batavia Downs
V’la Faire ($10.80) took the overland route to score a mild upset victory in the distaff Open pace at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night. Sent off as the lukewarm second choice to the heavily favored Itstimeformetofly, V’la Faire and driver Ray Fisher Jr. tucked in fourth early as the leader Memumsnotnice (Mickey Holliday) took the field through fractions of :28.1 and :58.2. It was just before the half-mile station that Fisher pulled his mare and started the march up the outside. After drawing almost even with the pacesetter at the three-quarter pole, V’la Faire seemed to stall at the head of the lane, leaving backers of Memumsnotnice feeling confident. But the 7-year-old daughter of Village Jove kicked it out in the stretch and pulled away to a two length victory in 1:56.1. That time matched her seasonal mark. Memumsnotnice held on for second and Mondatta (Dave McNeight III) rallied for third. It was the third win in 25 starts for V’la Faire and bumped her 2014 earnings to $32,350 for owner Oakhurst Farm. V’la Faire is trained by Richard Tomaszewski. Dave McNeight III scored a driving triple on the night, winning with Beachfront ($14.40), Koekemoer ($3.90) and Kisses N Kicks ($48.40). Ron Beback Jr. and Drew Monti both registered doubles. One of Monti’s horses (Smashy Cerise) returned $32.80 and sparked a $1,945 trifecta instant jackpot payout.