After front-stepping scores in the last two editions of the $32,500 Preferred Handicap at Dover Downs, Tim Tetrick used a come-from-behind approach to capture Thursday’s feature with the Ron Burke speedster.
Backstreet Shadow got away third for Tetrick while Key Advisor and San Domino A battled to the quarter pole in :27.1. Key Advisor controlled the pace to the half in :55.4 before coming under fierce pressure from a first over Backstreet Shadow. They zipped right along to the three-quarter pole in 1:22.4 before Backstreet Shadow used a :27.3 closing panel to win by 1-1/4 lengths over San Domino A in 1:50.3. Wiggle It Jiggleit was third.
The five-year-old son of Shadow Play-Backstreet Sweetie, who is owned by Burke Racing Stable LLC, Weaver Bruscemi LLC, Larry Karr and Jandt Silva Purnel & Libb, is now 3-for-4 this season. The 20-time winner recently surpassed $500,000 in career earnings.
After being a runner-up in three consecutive starts, Qs Cruise rallied for a 1:52.1 score in the $30,000 Blue Hen Open for the tandem of driver Tim Tetrick and trainer Jim King, Jr.
Qs Cruise marched to the lead from Post 5 and had the field chasing him past the quarter pole in :27.3. Manverick pocket popped and took command in front of the grandstand, and he went on to hit the half-mile marker in :55.2. Sicily went on the attack from first over and showed a short lead while racing parked past the three-quarter station in 1:23.3. Qs Cruise managed to rally late and used his :28.1 closing speed to prevail by a half-length margin over race favourite Sicily. Blazing Bobby Sox was third.
The six-year-old son of Yankee Cruiser-Modern Hanover has put together a 2-3-0 record so far this season from eight trips to the track. The 23-time winner, who is owned by Joann Looney King of Harrington, DE, has banked over $400,000 to date.