Soho Burning Love A defeated the First State's top mares for the second straight week, holding off a late charge from Shes Pukka N for a 1:50.1 win in Wednesday's (Jan. 12) $25,000 Mares Open Pace at Dover Downs.
Soho Burning Love A and Tim Tetrick briefly settled in the pocket before brushing to seize control from Shes Pukka N past a :26.4 quarter. The daughter of Auckland Reactor N continued to control middle splits of :55.2 and 1:22.4, accelerating up the backstretch to evade a first-over challenge from So Miki Hanover. Shes Pukka N and Tony Morgan charged out of the pocket in the stretch, but Soho Burning Love A prevailed by a neck. Rose Run Victory (Corey Callahan) finished third.
Jim King Jr. trains Soho Burning Love A for Jo Ann Looney-King, Brian Carsey and Jeff Fought Racing.
Art Stafford Jr. led all drivers with a grand slam; Tetrick tripled.
Thursday's (Jan. 13) top event, the $27,500 Blue Hen/Open Pace, features Southwind Ozzi, Slick Tony and Island Of The Sea. First post is 4:30 p.m.
(with files from Dover Downs)