Elliesjet N, who has finished second on four occasions during the current Dover Downs meet, finally reached the winner’s circle on Tuesday, January 3, as she snapped Empress Deo’s three-race winning streak courtesy of a 1:52.2 victory in the $20,000 Mares Open Handicap over a ‘sloppy’ track.
The race was almost a repeat of last week’s distaff feature, but this time Elliesjet N stayed up at the wire. The Allan Davis-driven Empress Deo finished second after having put forth a giant dash from last. The margin of victory was slim, as only a neck separated the pair.
Jonathan Roberts was in the bike for Elliesjet N’s 14th career victory. The black Jeremes Jet-Elle Mary Rose seven-year-old is trained by Josh Parker, who co-owns the winner with Bud Spedden, Kev Evans and Nanticoke Racing.
Empress Deo began the feature race with what is now her usual charge from last, as the spread-out horses reached the backstretch. She then moved up quickly, but was troubled by slow-moving flow. She then moved three wide to the far turn and went on to roll through the lane, although, when all was said and done, she just missed catching leader Elliesjet N. Mischief Maker N finished third for Vic Kirby. Lightning Mach N was scratched.
One three-win streak was extended on the card when Vintage Babe and driver Yannick Gingras notched a 1:53.2 triumph for her fourth consecutive victory in a $13,000 four and five-year-old mares pace. Gingras, trainer Ed Gannon Jr., Frank Canzone and Bob Sabatini own the Vintage Master-Bunkhouse Babe four-year-old.
Vic Kirby and Yannick Gingras recorded three-baggers, while George Dennis, Art Stafford Jr., owners-trainers Leigh Raymer and Jeff Clark each picked up two wins apiece.
Kirby’s three wins now gives him a 61 to 56 wins lead over runner-up Tim Tetrick, who is currently on vacation. Gingras is third with 51 winners.
(With files from Dover Downs)