Scuola Hanover soundly defeats Lyons Sentinel

Dover Downs played host to a special $40,000 Invitational-Handicap Pace for the mares Wednesday and the race drew the top harness racing pacing mare in North America, Lyons Sentinel.

Sent off as the overwhelming 1/5 wagering favorite in the 12^th race feature, Lyons Sentinel and driver Tim Tetrick got away in fourth place as three-horses, Shes Pukka N (Corey Callahan), Marloe Hanover (Ross Wolfenden) and JK First Lady (David Miller), all vied for the early lead.

That battle was won by JK First Lady after a blistering :25.2 first quarter mile. They raced to the half mile in :53.1 and that is when the action heated up again.

Tetrick came first-over with Lyons Sentinel and following their outside flow was Scuola Hanover and driver Art Stafford, Jr. It took until the three-quarters in 1:21.4 before Lyons Sentinel had cleared to the lead, but Scuola Hanover also had momentum and kept moving up against Lyons Sentinel.

As they came down the stretch, Sculoa Hanover not only collared Lyons Sentinel, but passed her by, winning with ease by one and one-quarter lengths in 1:49.4 over Soho Burning Love A (Victor Kirby) second and Lyons Sentinel third.

SCUOLA HANOVER REPLAY

It was the fifth straight win for Scuola Hanover. The six-year-old mare by A Rocknroll Dance is trained by Andrew Stafford, who co-owns the mare with Arthur Stafford and Thomas Ireland. Sent off at odds of 11-1, Scuola Hanover paid $24.40 to win. It was a lifetime mark for Scuola Hanover and her 12^th win this year in 25 starts.

“The plan was to follow her (Lyons Sentinel) up,” said winning driver Art Stafford, Jr. “She (Scuola Hanover) has been really tough and racing great all season.”

Another beautiful early fall evening started with the DSBF series at Dover Downs for 2-year old pacing fillies.

There were two non-wagering divisions followed by race 8 on the regular overnight card. Each division carried a purse of $20,000.

First non-wagering event was a stretch duel between Gaitway Gal and Bluff’s Crush (Montrell Teague) with Gaitway Gal (Delmarvalous-Brussells Hanover) prevailing by a half length in 1:55.2 for driver Pat Berry and trainer, Jeff Smith. The breeder and owner is Gty Stable of NJ. RJ’s Angel (Ross Wolfenden) was third.

Second non-wagering event was all Shabby Chic (Badlands Hanover-Stylish Artist) wire to wire in 1:55.2 to win by 8 lengths for driver, Tim Tetrick. Bred and owned by the Let It Ride Stables of Florida. This was her sixth win in as many starts. Place filly was Scarlet’s Bad Girl (Barton Dalious) and third was Ky-Ky (Montrell Teague).

In race 8 on the regular card it was another wire to wire performance by the favorite, Bank The Win (Roddy’s Bags Again-Winbak Patty) in 1:56.2 by 2H over Cowgirl Coffee (Tim Tetrick) and Odds On Surfer Gal (Corey Callahan). Driven by co-owner Victory Kirby and trained by co-owner Bryan Truitt. Also owned by Bryan Truitt, Jr. Bred by Winbak Farm.

Second leg for the DSBF 2-year old pacing colts is Monday night, November 15th. Post Time 4:30.

On Thursday, Dover Downs hosts the Matron Stakes for three-year-old trotters and pacers with purses totaling nearly $600,000.

All-star performers include million-dollar winner Test Of Faith, #1 in the Top Ten Poll as the three-year-old pacing filly is on a four-race win streak and the leading contender for Harness Horse of the Year honors. She takes on Jugette winner Scarlett Hanover, Grace Hill and Blue Diamond Eyes.

Hambletonian Oakes winner Bella Bellini, another million dollar winner this season, heads the filly trot. Charlie May is featured in the colt pace against Little Brown Jug winner Lou’s Pearlman, Chase H Hanover and Whichwaytothebeach. Swingforthefences goes for his sixth straight win in the colt trot against In Range.

First race post time is 4:30 pm.

For full race results, click here.

By Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink