Dover: Shartin wins her qualifier in 2019 debut

On February 13 at Dover Downs, 2018 Dan Patch Older Pacing Mare Shartin made her first trip to the track since winning the TVG final at The Meadowlands in late November.

With Tim Tetrick in the bike, Shartin came away fourth in a 29 2/5 opening quarter, brushed to the front past the half in 57 seconds, opened up a sizable lead by three quarters in 1:26 1/5 and cruised home in 29 4/5 to close out a 1:56 mile on a very windy morning.

Her final margin of victory was 1-3/4 lengths.

“I left the last few races with her and I didn’t want her to remember that, so I wrestled her away (from the gate),” said Tetrick about his tactics. “The last quarter wasn’t good, but it doesn’t mean anything to me. Whenever that horse got to her after the wire, she took off and would’ve went another quarter of a mile. She’s smart that way. Once I get her to the lead she relaxes and when someone comes she turns into a bearcat.”

Shartin, who earned $1,053,236 in 2018 and won 19 of 24 races, is scheduled to qualify again according to trainer Jim King Jr. Her first stakes appearance will come in the Blue Chip Matchmaker series at Yonkers Raceway in mid-March.

To view a Facebook Live video of the race aby Heather Vitale, click here.