Ladyfield fends off Poppy Lustre N at Dover

Ladyfield had just enough at the finish line to hold off Poppy Lustre N in 1:51.3 to win the $26,000 filly and mare Open Pace at Dover Downs on Tuesday. 

Tony Morgan was content to follow Bikini Bottom as Tim Tetrick cut out fast fractions from the start. On the backstretch Betting Machine, the only 3 year old in the race, rolled up on the outside for Jim Morand to prompt the pace reaching the three-quarters in 1:22.2. As the competitors fanned out turning for home, Corey Callahan took Nanny Withafanny to the outside while Ladyfield found room inside with Poppy Lustre M and Mike Cole roaring down the lane. Only a neck separated Ladyfield, the winner, and second-place Poppy Lustre N at the wire. Betting Machine was a game third.

Ladyfield has climbed up through the ranks since arriving at the track a year ago for trainer Vic Keeler II. Owned by his mother, Joyce, his wife, Linda and sister-in-law Kathleen, the Armbro Cadet 4 year old won her 11th race of the year to bring her seasonal bankroll to $139,011. Three of the feature race starters were difficult to separate in the wagering as Ladyfield, Betting Machine and Nanny Withafanny were all 5-2.

In the first of two $16,000 female paces topping the undercard, Tetrick drove Kash Luv to a 1:53 victory for George Brem. Angkor (Brewer Adams) finished second with Nairobi Hanover (Jim King) third.

Eddie Davis Jr. guided Valkyrie Hanover to an eased up 1:52.1 victory in the other $16,000 mares pace. Trainer Andrew Stafford owns the 4 year old by Island Fantasy. Firiel Hanover (Morand) closed well to take second in front of Flirtwithedealer (Morgan).

Four drivers accounted for 10 of the 15 winners. Morgan and Morand had three each. Callahan and Roger Plante had driving doubles. (Dover Downs)

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