After five consecutive second-place finishes, Shes Pukka N ($6.20) found the winner's circle by way of a 1:51.3 score in Wednesday's (March 2) $25,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace at Dover Downs.
Shes Pukka N was parked three-wide on the first turn by Feeling Sweet and Tae, but worked clear from her outside post at the end of a :26.2 first quarter. Once clear, Tony Morgan was able to relax Shes Pukka N through a :55.3 half. Major Occasion A, the 8-5 favourite, attacked first-over from fifth past the half, but wilted as Shes Pukka N reached the three-quarter marker in 1:23.3. In the lane, the seven-year-old daughter of Betterthancheddar maintained 1-1/4 lengths of clearance over 23-1 pocket rival Feeling Sweet (Mike Cole) and recorded the 23rd win of her career. Soho Burning Love (Tim Tetrick) circled four-wide from last through the far turn and rallied into third.
Brian Malone trains Shes Pukka N for Peter Paul Venturini.
Thursday's (March 3) $27,500 Blue Hen/Open Handicap Pace features track record holder Sprocket, who attempts to win his fourth race in a row. First post is 4:30 p.m.
(with files from Dover Downs)