Dover, DE – So Miki Hanover braved a first-over journey and captured the Mares Open Handicap Pace at Dover Downs on Wednesday (Dec. 29) night.

Shes Pukka N blasted off the wings of the starting gate but had company heading to the quarter pole. Soho Burning Love A and Edge of Eternity also left forcing Shes Pukka N to race three wide into an opening quarter of :26 flat.

So Miki Hanover wins the Mares Preferred pace for Luke Hanners at Dover on Wednesday night. FotoWon photo.

Driver Tony Morgan was able to throttle the speed of Shes Pukka N as she reached the half in :54.4 (28.4) The 3/5 betting favorite, Soho Burning Love A, retreated and accepted the pocket-ride behind Shes Pukka N at the quarter.

The 21-year-old Luke Hanners guided So Miki Hanover to the outside and bravely paced first-over past the half. The three-quarters was paced in 1:23 (28.1). At the three-quarter marker, So Miki Hanover drew alongside of the pacesetter Shes Pukka N. Soho Burning Love A was locked in along the rail with pace. Rose Run Victory was poised to strike second-over on the rim.

However, So Miki Hanover cleared to the top, in deep stretch and went on to win in 1:51.4 by a length. She paid $14.60 for the win. So Miki Hanover, a 3-year-old filly, (Always B Miki-Stolly Up Blue Chip-Art Major) is owned by Julie Meirs, Cream Ridge NJ.

Jake Leamon trained and young Luke Hanners drove. Rose Run Victory benefitted from the second-over trip and finished second for trainer Ron Burke. Corey Callahan drove. Shes Pukka N, cut the mile and tired late for driver Tony Morgan and
finished 3rd. Brian Malone trained.

Three drivers recorded triple dash wins on Wednesday night. Tim Tetrick, Art Stafford Jr. and Allan Davis.

On Thursday (Dec. 30) night, Backstreet Shadow highlights the Open/Preferred Pace in the 12th race. Full Brothers, Red Power and Power Of Tell square against each other in the 11th race.

Post Time at Dover Downs is 4:30 p.m.