Dover: Backstreet Shadow sets track record in Invitational

In one of the strongest fields of the race season at Dover Downs, Backstreet Shadow dominated on Thursday (3/5) in the $50,000 Invitational.

Tim Tetrick left confidently from his assigned post 8 with Backstreet Shadow. He had to wait for Jesse Duke N, also leaving from the outside, to clear a stubborn Shnitzledosomethin. Backstreet Shadow was then in position to rush to the lead despite being parked out to the quarter in 26 2/5. He continued to carve out the remaining fractions, reaching the half in 54 3/5 and three quarters in 1:22 1/5.

Jesse Duke N pulled off the rail from the pocket in deep stretch. He attempted to mount a charge but became fatigued and went off stride.

Backstreet Shadow, the 3-5 race favorite, established a Dover Downs track record for aged geldings by a fifth-of-a-second. He won in 1:48 1/5 by two comfortable lengths.

Backstreet Shadow (Shadow Play-BackstreetSweetie-Dragon Again) is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, L Karr, J&T Silva, Purnel & Libby. Ron Burke is the trainer.

Jesse Duke N, who went off-stride in the stretch, was cleared by the judges inquiry and finished second. Shnitzleosomethin finished third for trainer Dylan Davis and driver Victor Kirby.

Racing resumes on Monday at Dover Downs Post Time is 4:30 pm.

-edited release (Dover)