Spunky Vic shook off a strong challenge from Victors Vicky to survive a four-horse assault at the wire for a 1:56.3 victory in the $26,000 Open Handicap Trot on Wednesday at Dover Downs
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Tony Morgan steered Spunky Vic into the lead after the opening quarter and then fought off a stubborn attempt from Victors Vicky, which began after the half. Ron Pierce was able to move Victors Vicky to the front but unable to get to the rail heading to the final turn. The Budster, with Tim Curtin, moved up three-wide as the three-some turned for home. In the late stretch, Spunky Vic came back to get up first in a tight photograph. Victors Vicky maintained second with Man About Town and Ross Wolfenden darting down the passing lane to edge The Budster for third.
Arty Foster owns and trains Spunky Vic, a six-year-old altered son of Valley Victor-B Cor Spunky, to his first win of the meet after two straight second-place finishes. It was his fifth win of the year and brought his seasonal earnings to $124,415.
There is no live racing on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday and as usual Fridays are dark. Saturday and Sunday racing begins at 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday post time is 4:30 p.m. No live racing on Fridays.
(Dover Downs)