Harness: Shartin set to qualify Wednesday at Dover

Older Pacing Mare of the Year Shartin has been entered to qualify Wednesday morning at Dover Downs in the fifth race.

Shartin will start from the outside post six with regular driver and co-owner Tim Tetrick in the bike against a solid field of older pacers, both male and female. Near-millionaire mare Apple Bottom Jeans as well as last year’s Golden Receiver winner Highalator are in the field.

Trainer Jim King Jr relayed via phone that he wanted to get her qualified this week in preparation for the first leg of the Blue Chip Matchmaker series at Yonkers Raceway on March 13 because he’ll be in Florida this weekend and early next week.

“I’m very pleased with her so far. We’ve had a lot of sickness go through our barn but thankfully she’s avoided it,” said King, who trained Shartin on Saturday (2/15) in preparation for Wednesday’s qualifier.

Shartin earned $982,177 in 2019 while winning 15 of 19 starts. She is one of the favorites to win Horse of the Year honors at Sunday’s Dan Patch awards in Orlando, Florida.