by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Rockin Image was overpowering in the $320,000 Progress Pace, while trotters Wishing Stone and Costa Rica, plus 44-1 filly pacer Sand Windsor, scored Matron 3-year-old final wins at Dover Downs on Sunday (Nov. 14).

Rockin Image was a 1:50.3 winner in the Progress Pace.

For the second straight week Yannick Gingra and Rockin Image made short work of seven rivals to notch victory in the $320,000 Progress Pace. This time the Rocknroll Hanover-Kikikatie colt, owned by Sue Grange’s Lothlorien, required only a 1:50.3 performance to make the winner’s circle. Delmarvalous steamed from far back to win a photo for second with Brian Sears at the controls. Another part of the George Teague entry, Windfall Blue Chip, driven by Montrell Teague, was the show finisher.

Rockin Image left fast from outside post seven and after making the lead was never threatened in his sixth win of the year, bringing his seasonal bankroll to $586,712 and $772,348 lifetime.

Wishing Stone scored in 1:53.2 in the Matron 3-year-old colt trot final.

Wishing Stone was again at the top of his game, equaling the track record of 1:53.2 set by Algiers Hanover in 2006. George Brennan rolled out of fourth in front of the grandstand and had to work hard to take the lead after a :54.3 half.

From there it was all Wishing Stone, a son of Conway Hall-Meadowbranch Magic conditioned by Dewayne Minor for his Cowboyland Aalborg, in the $237,312 Matron colt trot final. Hard Livin closed strongly for Yannick Gingras for runner-up honors with Take My Picture and Andy Miller finishing third.

Costa Rica and Ron Pierce were 1:55.1 winners in the Matron 3-year-old filly trot.

Earlier Costa Rica, the 2-year-old Matron champion in 2009, swept to the sophomore filly title with Ron Pierce at the helm, coming from behind for a 1:55.1 verdict. Owned by Christina Takter and John and Jim Fielding, Costa Rica completed her racing career by winning six times in 2010 and banking $410,093. She is a career winner of $1,380,219.

Behindclosedoors, handled by Dave Palone, cut out the early fractions before Costa Rica, altering her style after leading for most of the mile in her elim, closed for the victory. Christiana Hanover, reined by Riina Rekila, was third.

Fotowon photos

Brian Sears piloted Sand Windsor to the upset win in the Matron 3-year-old filly pace.

Brian Sears piloted Sand Windsor, the longshot winner of the night and this season’s series, to a 44-1 triumph in the $186,650 Matron filly pace, lowering her career record to 1:51. Bill Sanders owns the Real Desire-Tim N Again filly trained by Tye Loy. Ticket To Rock finished second with David Miller. Rock N Soul, the race favorite, was hopelessly locked in on the backstretch before Yannick Gingras was able to shake loose and then closed stoutly to pick up third money.

Ron Pierce won six races, including the last two, during the program. A heavy fog ranged in after the Matrons were completed and the 12th through 15th races were raced in the fog.