Tarkio faced a sharp jump in class in his quest for a fourth consecutive victory, but he passed the test with flying colours thanks another impressive triumph in Thursday’s $27,500 Open Handicap for pacers at Dover Downs.
Allan Davis got away sixth with Tarkio, who watched Island Of The Sea and Bo Mach take turns on the lead through first-half fractions of :26.2 and :57.3. David had Tarkio first over and driving on the way to the half.
Tarkio accelerated quickly while racing on the rim, and he showed a short lead while still parked past the three-quarter pole in 1:26.2. Tarkio then kicked out a final quarter of :28 en route to winning by three-quarters of a length over Justasec N in 1:54.2. Movin On Up took home third prize.
Wayne Givens trains the four-year-old son of Betting Line-Lovely Assistant for Legacy Racing Of De Inc and Reg Hazzard II. Undefeated in his first four starts of the 2022 season, the 11-time winner pushed his earnings over $120,000 with the win.