Two weeks ago, Sinatra De Vie sustained a first-over attack to wear down Coventry Hall at Ocean Downs. The $13,699 Open Trot on Wednesday, June 19 was the stage for a resounding encore performance from the four-year-old Southwind Frank gelding, who employed identical tactics against the same pacesetting rival and achieved an identical result, defeating Coventry Hall in 1:54.3.
Meet-leading driver Johnathan Ahle, who led all drivers with five wins on the 12-race card, settled Sinatra De Vie in fourth as Coventry Hall (Trae Porter) pushed clear of Judge Bob (Jonathan Roberts) to control early splits of :28 and :57.3. Sinatra De Vie began his first-over ascent just before the half-mile mark, advanced steadily on the clubhouse turn and pushed forward to take the lead over Coventry Hall at three-quarters in 1:26. The pair duelled around the far turn, but Sinatra De Vie edged clear in the final sixteenth to win by two lengths, securing his sixth win of the season and 14th overall for owner/trainer Eric Foster. Judge Bob was third.
Ahle also won with Alexis Fraternity ($41.80, 1:57.3), Team Kiwi N ($5.60, 1:56.4), Fancy Like That ($3.60, 1:54.2) and Slim Fast ($4.20, 1:58.3).
Live harness racing returns to Ocean Downs on Thursday, June 20. The first of 12 races is due off at 7:05 p.m. EDT.
(Ocean Downs)