Dover: Mavericks Missy upsets in DSBF late closer final

Mavericks Missy sat patiently off-the-pace and rolled to victory in the $50,800 DSBF late closer final for 3-year-old filly pacers at Bally’s Dover on Wednesday.

No Gel Nikki, the 2-5 favorite, was the aggressor and left fastest away from the starting gate. Meanwhile, Spoiled Rotn Girl was parked in the two path early before settling into the pocket. After Spoiled Rotn Girl tucked in, Kims Secret Search drove on two-wide as the fillies reached the quarter in a hotly-contested 27 3/5.

Kims Secret Search finally cleared the lead before the half, but No Gel Nikki moved right back to the outside and claimed the lead away from Kims Secret Search as the two rivals continued to battle to the half in 56 1/5. No Gel Nikki then opened up a length and a half advantage to the three quarters in 1:26 1/5. While that was going on up front, Mavericks Missy and driver Russell Foster waited patiently for the dust to settle and before launching their uncovered bid down the backstretch from last.

Mavericks Missy challenged No Gel Nikki for the lead past the three-quarters and in the lane. No Gel Nikki dug in gamely, but in the late stages of the race Mavericks Missy had all of the momentum, powered to the front, and got the win. Mavericks Missy won by three-quarters of length in 1:57 2/5 and paid $16.40 for the win.

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Mavericks Missy (Roddy's Bags Again) is owned by 87-year-old Marion Andrew of Centerville, Maryland, who after the race claimed that "it was the thrill of a lifetime." Mark Shahan Jr. trains the winner.

No Gel Nikki was second for trainer Clyde Francis and driver Montrell Teague, and Kims Secret Search was third for trainer John Wilkerson and driver Corey Callahan.

--edited press release (Dover)--