Pat Matters earned a track record in victory Tuesday night (Jan. 5) at Dover Downs.
Pat Matters shattered the track record for older trotting mares at Dover Downs. The record of 1:53 was previously held by Buck I St Pat in 2008.
Pat Matters left alertly and took the field through a quick 26.2 opening quarter. Warrior One was parked to the quarter and motored up before the half, seizing the lead from Pat Matters. The half was trotted in :55.
At the five-eighths, Andrew McCarthy boldly pulled the pocket as Warrior One began to labour, angling off the pylons to take the lead. Jack Vernon challenged the leader to the three-quarters, which was trotted in 1:23. At the top of the stretch, Jack Vernon and the 7/5 favourite Scirocco Rob closed stoutly but could not make up any ground on Pat Matters.
Pat Matters, the lone mare in the race, reached down for more trot and won by a half length in 1:51.2.
Pat Matters is owned by Patricia Stables. The red-hot Nifty Norman is her trainer and Andrew McCarthy her driver. Jack Vernon raced first over but finished second for trainer Dylan Davis and driver Corey Callahan. Scirocco Rob finished third for trainer Mark Silva and driver Tim Tetrick.
Owners George and Tina Dennis, trainer Joe Columbo and driver Mike Cole combined for a racing grand slam by winning four races.
Lous Luckys Girl and Under Contract completed the daily double. Cashmeonthetrack took the fourth race. Blue Cupertino won the eighth and notched win number four.
World champion Shartin N will lead the field in the post parade for the Mares Open pace on Wednesday night, this time in retirement. There will be a brief ceremony in recognition of her accomplishments in the winner’s circle.
Live racing continues tomorrow at Dover Downs. First-race post time is 4:30 p.m. (EST).
(Dover Downs)