Son of Real Artist strikes first win for year

Dover, Del.— Twice Horse of the Meet Nova Artist scored his first win of 2016 to win one of the Thursday, Jan. 28th harness racing tri-features at Dover Downs..

Nova Artist turned back eight rivals in 1:51.3 to win the$9,000 Male pace to bring his lifetime earnings to just short of seven-digits, $976,197, with his 44th career victory. Fire In The Belly (Vic Kirby) was second with Four Staces (George Dennis) third. Nova Artist is an all Davis family horse. Owned by the Delaware Valley's all-time leading winning driver, Eddie Davis and his wife, Kathy, the nine-year-old son of Real Artist-Avon Lady, is trained by their son Martin Davis and Allan Davis, his driver.

Davis also guided Muffmaster to a 1:55 victory in a $9,000 4&5-Year-Old Male pace for trainer Wayne Givens and Legacy Racing of Delaware. A Sportsmaster-Leterrippotatochip gelding, Muffmaster won for the third time this meet. Rocknroll Power (Corey Callahan) was next with River Thames (Jim Morand) the show finishers.

Scalped, a six-year-old Bettor's Delight-Spirit Of The West horse owned by trainer Brenda Teague and driven by Montrell Teague won the third co-feature posting a 1:52.2 triumph. Sweet Talkin Satin (Davis) was runner-up. Portrait (Art Stafford Jr.) closed well for third place.

Tony Morgan and trainer Joe Skowyra had two winners each.

Dover Downs is dark on Friday and Saturday. Live racing resumes Sunday, post time is 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday racing begins at p.m. 4:30 p.m.

When at the track, watch the 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