Dover, DE — Shes Pukka N wired the field in the $25,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace at Dover Downs on Wednesday night (Dec. 15).

Driver Tony Morgan sent Shes Pukka N where she is most comfortable, loose on the lead. Shes Pukka N set fractions of :27, :55.4 and 1:23. Morgan drove a masterful race, backing off the half with a :28.4 second quarter. That may have been the difference in the race.

Soho Burning Love A, the 3/5 betting favorite, left from the outside and settled into the fourth position at the quarter. Driver Tim Tetrick then marched first up and coverless past the half and drew alongside of Shes Pukka N at the three-quarter pole.

But Shes Pukka N showed her grit and determination and did not let Soho Burning Love A move past her in the stretch. The last half-mile was paced in :55 and the last quarter was in :27.4. Shes Pukka N won by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:50.4 and paid $6 for the win. Soho Burning Love A fought hard but finished second for trainer Jim King Jr. Feeling Sweet benefited from a perfect journey along the rail and snagged the show spot. Joe Columbo trained and Mike Cole had the driving assignment.

Shes Pukka N (Betterthancheddar) is owned by Peter Venturini. Brian Malone is her trainer.

Tim Tetrick had four wins on the betting card.

On Thursday, Dover Downs will entertain four $100,000 finals for the Delaware Standardbred Breeders’ Fund for 3-year-old pacers and trotters. There will also be two non-betting consolation races.

Post time for Dover Downs is 4:30 p.m.

Dover Downs live harness racing will be dark from Dec. 17 through Dec. 26 in observance of the Christmas holiday. Racing at Dover Downs will resume on Monday (Dec. 27).