by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Gural Hanover, who won only two races lastyear, turned in his second straight trip to the winner’s circle on Wednesday,May 16 romping to a 1:53 victory in the $24,000 Open trot.

Fotowon photo

Gural Hanover took his second straight trip to the winner’s circle on Wednesday, trotting to a 1:53 win in the Open Trot at Dover Downs.

With Andrew McCarthy driving the Crazed-Givemearing gelding,Gural Hanover took command after a :26.3 opening quarter and proved the bestfrom there. Weaver Bruscemi, Little E, Pahellenic and Burke Racing stables ownthe classy 5-year-old who now has earned $78,124 in his career. War Cry Hall,last week’s winner, charged down the passing lane for Tim Tetrick to edgeSomebody AS and Vic Kirby for second money. It ended a two-win streak for SomebodyAS.

In the $18,500 sub-feature, when race-favorite CelebrityPepgus broke stride early, Jackie Parker took over, driving Jim Moore III’sRoyal Becca J and the 4-year-old RC Royalty–Becca J gelding led the rest of a1:55.3 mile to win for the second time in his last three starts. In fact RoyalBecca J has been ultra-consistent in his last six starts with three wins andthree seconds. Machuca (Ross Wolfenden) raced on the outside for most of thecontest and held on for second. Royal Status (Kirby) was the show horse.

Drivers Tim Tetrick and Tyler Davis, trainer Kevin Lare,owner Frank Chick, all had two wins.

Nova Artist and Movie Idol battle it out in the Thursdayfeature race.

Monday through Thursday racing begins at 4:30 p.m. DoverDowns is dark on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.