Nike Franco N and Lightning Mach N, a pair of New Zealand ex-patriots, turned in impressive victories in feature paces while driver Yannick Gingras and trainer Josh Green teamed for four victories with owner Rich Lombardo joining them in the winner’s circle three times each to highlight Tuesday, Nov. 1 racing at Dover Downs.
Tim Tetrick bided his time driving Nike Franco N in the $20,000 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace before taking the American-sired Mcardle-Nearea Franco six-year-old to the outside from sixth and overpowered her seven rivals for a 1:51.2 score in the feature for trainer Jim King and owner Rich Pollucci. Empress Deo (Allan Davis) got up for second in front of Nat A Virgin (Corey Callahan).
The win is the second since crossing the Pacific. On both continents, the high-class mare has earned $110,429 this year and $340,243 lifetime.
Lightning Mach N was equally impressive driven by Yannick Gingras in her 1:51.1 conquest in a $13,500 conditioned event for distaffers. Enhance Your Mind O (Vic Kirby) was the runner-up, with Art Of Dancing (Art Stafford, Jr.) third.
In a $10,500 Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund freshman preview, Logans Girl won in personal best time of 1:54.4 for driver Vic Kirby, trainer Jim King and owner JoAnn Looney King. It was the Roddys Bags Again-All Italian filly’s fifth win in six starts. Shes No Spinster (A. Davis) was second. Westwind Roddylee (Morgan) finished third.
Wednesday is trot day at Dover Downs. Maestro Blue Chip and Theresademoninme drew outside posts in the $20,000 Open Handicap trot feature. Four lucrative Matron two-year-old finals head Thursday’s card of racing.
(With files from Dover Downs)