So Miki Hanover sustained a first-over grind to deliver a 6-1 upset in Wednesday night's (Dec. 29) $25,000 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace at Dover Downs.
Shes Pukka N pushed three-wide around the first turn to clear 3-5 favourite Soho Burning Love A and Edge Of Eternity, but was forced through a :26 first quarter in doing so. Once clear, Tony Morgan throttled Shes Pukka N's speed, pulling the half back to :54.4 before bracing for the first-over attack of So Miki Hanover, whom 21-year-old driver Luke Hanners guided to the outside from fourth. So Miki Hanover drew alongside Shes Pukka N past three-quarters in 1:23, and the pair duelled while stalked by Soho Burning Love A from the pocket and the second-over Rose Run Victory.
In deep stretch, So Miki Hanover put away her inside rival and won by a widening length in 1:51.4. Rose Run Victory (Corey Callahan) benefitted from live cover and finished second; Shes Pukka N tired late and finished third.
Jake Leamon trains So Miki Hanover, a three-year-old Always B Miki filly, for Julie Meirs.
Tim Tetrick, Art Stafford Jr. and Allan Davis recorded three wins apiece.
Thursday night's (Dec. 30) program at Dover Downs features an Open/Preferred Pace, carded as race 12 and led by Backstreet Shadow. Post time is 4:30 p.m.
(with files from Dover Downs)