by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — A pair of Delaware paces, one with a $20,000 purse and the other $15,000, lead a strong Sunday, Feb. 18 card at Dover Downs. First post is 5:30 p.m.

Last week, Ron Waller and Nanticoke Racing’s Scootin Scholar, with Brandon Givens, was a game second in the $20,000 Delaware Pace, followed by Ima Prince Too, with Tony Morgan, the third place finisher for Sam Jacobs, Elrita Annett and Charles Burris.

Virginia Louthan’s Wrangler Sam, with Tim Tetrick, steps up a class after scoring a victory. Brad Hanners drives Rodney Mitchell’s Up Front Jerry while Bound For Glory Racing’s Spicy Sport and Ross Wolfenden leave from the inside.

The rest of the field is made up by Alton Lynch, Sr.’s Shotaway N, reined by Eddie Davis, Jr., Bob Collins’ Solid Hanover with Roger Plante and Arty Foster, Jr.’s Bachelorboy and Tim Tetrick.

The secondary feature is a $15,000 Delaware pace for 4- and 5-year-olds. The Wiz Kids Stable’s NF Signature (Roger Plante) won last Saturday but must overcome starting from post eight in this one. Juliana Swinford and Wendy Crissman’s Battersby N (Brad Hanners) finished second last time, while Velvet Grace’s Big Production (Brandon Givens) finished third. Jiffy Popcorn, with Tim Tetrick driving for Rodney Wyatt and Vernon Hood, drops down from the $40,000 claiming class. Arty Foster’s Streetcar (Tony Morgan), made an unfortunate break last time as the favorite and should be one to watch.

Diamond Revenge (Corey Callahan), owned by New Amsterdam Farm and Foulk Stables, will be tough from the rail, while Badlands And Art, owned by John Hecker and driver Ben Stafford, Jr., and Elmer Fannin’s Philosopher King (George Dennis) have upset potential.

The $14,500 male 4- and 5-year-old pace has nine starters with Russ and Elaine MacKinnon’s Main-A-Dieu (Kevin Sizer), second last week, drawing the rail while Ed Gannon’s Powerful King (Corey Callahan) has post eight. Two others, Ron Reed’s Fox Valley Quache (Tony Morgan) and Mossdale Gambit N, with Roger Plante driving for Dan Murray and Barry and Deb Unger, were winners last week. Jim Snyder and Brent Outten’s Cross The Line (Tim Tetrick) sports three straight second place finishes.

Saturday and Sunday post time at Dover Downs is 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday racing starts at 4:30 p.m. No live racing on Fridays. There is no charge for admission or parking at Dover Downs. Reservations are suggested for the Winner’s Circle Restaurant. Call (302) 674-4600.