by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Sportsfancy showed her class by scoring a 1:52.1 victory in the $32,000 Mares Open Pace at Dover Downs on Tuesday, March 25. Tim Tetrick had a five bagger and Tony Morgan won four races.

Fotowon photo

Sportsfancy posted her first win as a 4-year-old in the Mares Open at Dover.

In the feature, last year’s Illinois stakes standout Sportsfancy recorded her first win of the year, as Tony Morgan guided the 4-year-old daughter of Sportsmaster to a gritty 1:52.1 victory, pushing her lifetime earnings to $505,338. Josh Green, the meet’s leading trainer, now conditions her for owner Larry Baron. Sportsfancy had to fend off a challenge from Eddie Davis-driven Pacific Philly, the second-place finisher. Ultimate Bet and Sean Bier closed strongly for third.

For the second week in a row, Ball Gown A, owned and trained by Peter Tritton, won the $25,000 Mares Winners Over Pace. Eric Goodell took the Presidential Ball 7-year-old right to the front and held off a strong bid from Captiva Island and Corey Callahan on the backstretch on the way to the 1:52.1 triumph. Flirtwithedealer finished second for Tony Morgan with Captiva Island holding on for third.

Esther Bier’s Riley Rose got back on the winning path in a $23,000 Mares Winners Over pace as Jim King came out of second at the head of the lane and passed front-pacing Betting Machine and Jim Morand en route to the 1:53.4 win. Besmitten By A Vet closed with a rush for Tim Curtin for third money.

From now through the meet’s closing day, April 10, live racing begins at 5:30 p.m. daily, Saturday through Thursday. Friday is a dark day for live racing. There is no charge for parking or admission. Reservations are suggested for the Winner’s Circle Restaurant. Call (302) 674-4600.