Wire-To-Wire in Dancers

Artcotic and Southwind Tempo charged to the front of their respective divisions of the Helen Dancer Memorial for 3-year-old filly pacers at Freehold Raceway this afternoon and then held on for head victories in 1:55.1 and 1:53.4, respectively.

In the $72,515 first division Artcotic opened her 2007 campaign in identical fashion to the way she closed 2006.  Her final start last year was from post eight in the New Jersey Sire Stakes final, which she won in 1:55.1 after taking the lead just past the opening quarter.

This time Ron Pierce had the daughter of Artiscape on the lead before the :27.3 quarter and she marched on with fractions of :57.1 and 1:26.1. Kisskissbangbang and Cat Manzi rallied strong down the lane but fell a head short at the wire. Dragon Flier K and George Brennan were third.

George Teague Jr. trains the filly for his son, Montrell, and Rodney Mitchell Jr.

In the second split it was Tim Tetrick who hustled Southwind Tempo out from post four and into the lead down the backstretch, passing the quarter in :27. Elusive Prey and Andy Miller sat in the pocket past the half in :56.4 and the three quarters in 1:25.1. In the lane Miller tipped Elusive Prey to the passing lane and closed the gap, but also fell a head short of the pace setter. Jerry’s Girl and Ben Stafford were a distant third.

Southwind Tempo, a daughter of Bettor’s Delight, won for the fourth time in five starts this year for owners  Alton Lynch Jr. and Wayne Chrebet, and trainer Steve Elliott.

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