Nova Artist inched closer to becoming a $1-million winner on Thursday, May 17 to win the feature race holding on for a 1:52.2 harness racing victory at Dover Downs. Allan Davis notched five wins including Nova Artist.
Allan Davis moved the nine-year-old son of Real Artist-Avon Lady into the lead approaching the final turn and then opened up entering the stretch but Nova Artist had to survive a four-horse blitz nearing the finish line to win for the second time this season and 45th in his career. Owned by Eddie and Kathy Davis and trained by Martin Davis, the two-time Dover Downs Horse of the Meet, has now won $984,157. People Are Crazy (Vic Kirby) was a head back in second with early leader Native Art (George Dennis) a close-up third.
Josh Green conditioned both first-time winners of the daily double. Allan Davis guided Egtravagant Dragon home in 1:57 to win for Karen Feeney and Marge Skyrm while Ross Wolfenden piloted JJ&M and Seafood Delight stable's Seafood Scrappy to a 1:59.1 mark.
In addition to Nova Artist and Egtravagant Dragon, Davis' five wins included Tim Torbert and Dylan Davis' Star Guitar in 1:55.1, Fred Hertrich's homebred Mistresstothestars, 1:53, and Muscara Racing's OutrageousdelightN in 1:53.3.
Ross Wolfenden drove three wins and owner -trainer Tim Torbert had two winners.
Dover Downs is dark on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Monday through Thursday racing begins at 4:30 p.m.
When at the track, watch live races and enjoy dining in the Winners Circle Restaurant's acclaimed Harness Racing Buffet. Call 302-674-4600 for reservations.
Simulcasting of harness and thoroughbred racing is available daily from 12 Noon until 12 Midnight at Dover Downs where there is no charge for parking and admission. Reservations are suggested for the Winner's Circle Restaurant and for those planning to stay at the 4-star Dover Downs Hotel. Call 302-674-4600.
Marv Bachrad