Lone filly wins $25,000 Open Pace

So Miki Hanover, the lone filly against older mares, braved a first over harness racing journey and captured the $25,000 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace at Dover Downs on Wednesday 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.

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.

21-year-old driver Luke Hanners, the son of the late Brad Hanners, guided So Miki Hanover to the outside and bravely paced first over past the half. The three quarters were 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 2nd 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 Miers, of Cream Ridge NJ and is trained by Jake Leamon.

SO MIKI HANOVER REPLAY

Rose Run Victory benefitted from the 2nd over trip and finished 2nd 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 night, Backstreet Shadow highlights the Open / Preferred Pace in the 12th race and two full brothers, Red Power and Power Of Tell square against each other in the 11th race.

Post Time at Dover Downs is 4:30 pm.

For full race results, click here.

by Alex Kraszewski, for Dover Downs