DOVER, Del.— Nike Franco N stepped out of the distaff ranks to beat the top pacers at the track in the $30,000 Preferred Handicap while Sicily held off the opposition to take the $27,500 Delaware Special on a talent-filled Thursday, Dec.1 harness racing program at Dover Downs.
Driver Tim Tetrick sent unbeaten in the U.S. mare Nike Franco N out of fourth along the passing lane to reach to finish line first in a personal best 1:51 to win her third in-a-row since leaving New Zealand. Ideal Cowboy cut out some of the early lead fractions for Vic Kirby and also closed on the inside to just miss victory finishing second. Bettor's Edge came on strongly on the outside for Yannick Gingras for third place. Dancin Yankee (Cory Callahan) led turning for home was in the win photo but had to settle for fourth place.
Owner Rich Polluci purchased Nike Franco N after completing her career Down Under and didn't race her until mid-October. In three starts versus female rivals the North American-style bred McArdle-Nearea Franco six-year-old overwhelmed her opponents. Trainer Jim King was forced to move her to the top class event. In intercontinental races, Nike Franco N has now won $135,429 this year and $365,243 in her career.
Allan Davis recorded his third win on the card piloting Sicily, an Art Major-Capri Hanover four-year-old gelding, to victory in 1:51.3 in the $27,500 Delaware Special edging the fast-finishing veteran Mustang Art (Sean Bier) and front-pacing Remember Me VK (Montrell Teague) at the wire. It also was the third win for trainer Wayne Givens and second for owners Reg Hazzard and Legacy Racing.
Soto took the early lead and was not caught in a 1:5.1 wire-to-wire triumph with Art Stafford Jr. driving the Rock N Roll Heaven-Incredible Beauty four-year-old owned by Ken Wood, Bill Dittmar, Steve Iaquinta to victory, the second of the day for the driver and trainer, Eric Ell. Arque Hanover (Callahan) was runner-up. Race favorite Wakizashi Hanover (Tetrick) closed strongly but had to settle for third.
The longest price of the day came when Ross Wolfenden drove Pamela Plante's Suchasensenceofhumor, off at 45-1, to a last step win in the $15,500 3,4&5-Year-Old Male pace nipping leader Poisonous (Gingras) in a 1:52.2 mile. Acting Out (Jonathan Roberts) was the show horse. It was win #5 this season for the altered son of Rock N Roll Heaven-Don't You Smile who has earned $$65,862 in 2016.
Overlooked at 14-1, Special T Rocks and Jim Morand scored a 1:51.2 decision in the $15,000 Male pace. Joe Hundertpfund conditions the Rocknroll Hanover-Ladys Special veteran for owner John Cancelliere. A lifetime winner more than $550,000, Special T Rocks won for the seventh time this season raising his bankroll to $70,004. Jet Away (Callahan) was second with Captive Audience (Gingras) third.
Allan Davis, Tim Tetrick and trainer Wayne Givens had three wins each. Art Stafford Jr. trainers, Jim King and Eric Ell plus owners Reg Hazzard and Legacy Racing of Del. had doubles.
Dover Downs is dark on Fridays. Saturdays and Sundays this meet. Monday through Thursday, post time is 4:30 p.m.
Plan to watch live racing from the Winner's Circle Restaurant where reservations are suggested. Call 302-674-4600. There is no charge for parking or admission at Dover Downs. Simulcasting of top harness and thoroughbred racing in the Dover Downs Sports Book, daily from 12 Noon to 12 Midnight.
Marv Bachrad