by Marv Bachrad, Dover Downs Publicity Director

DOVER, Del. — Rocknroll Hanover, the sport’s leading money winning horse this season, and Village Jolt, last season’s top freshman pacer, head two $35,000 eliminations for the 10th Progress Pace on the first Sunday card of the meet on Nov. 6 at Dover Downs. Post time is 5:30 p.m. The eight top finishers return on Nov. 13 for the richest Progress Pace Final in history with a $394,120 purse. A 1:53 victory last Saturday in a James B. Dancer division, his 10th win in 14 races, increased Rocknroll Hanover’s seasonal bankroll to $1,830,527 for Jeff Snyder and Lothlorien Equestrian Center. Brian Sears will be in the bike for the colt who was syndicated not long ago and is slated for stallion duty in 2006.

The super sharp gelding Gryffindor enters with four straight victories under his belt. Since his recent purchase by newcomers Bruce Gilbert and Mike Solomon, of Suburban Philadelphia, and Chuck Crissman of Hartly, Del. who race under the nom de course of Three Point Acres, Gryffindor has earned back nearly his $250,000 sale price by winning both the $218,475 Messenger Stake at Harrington Raceway and his $126,400 Dancer section. Gryffindor, by Dragon Again named after a schoolhouse in the Harry Potter publications, will be driven by David Miller.

Another locally owned starter and recent purchase is Rodney Mitchell’s Up Front Jerry, driven by the track’s defending driving champion Brad Hanners. David Scharf, Steve Arnold, Jerry Silva and Sampson St. Stable’s Weiss Hanover will have the services of George Brennan, who drove Holborn Hanover to an upset victory in last year’s Progress Pace.

Iannacone and D’Elegance Stable IX’s Arts Day, with Eric Ledford, drew the rail with Neptune Stables and MJG Racing’s John Adams and Cat Manzi leaving from post two. Gordon Bryan’s Escapable Beaux, reined by John Campbell, Victory Hill Farms’ Glittering Beaches, Ron Pierce driving, and Bob McIntosh and CSX Stables’ Izee reined by Tony Morgan complete the 13-race lineup.

A second Jeff Snyder colt, Village Jolt, co-owned by Arlene and Jules Siegel, is the one to beat in the first $35,000 Progress Pace elim, the 9th race. The Dan Patch 2004 Two-Year-Old award winner, with Ron Pierce driving, has banked $1.5 million already in his career. Ticketed for stud duty at Fashion Farm in New Hope, Pa in 2006, his chief opposition is expected from Norm, Gerald Smiley and Ted Gewertz’s Dawn Ofa New Day with Brian Sears.

Kauffman and Stiller’s Stonebridge Regal, already a $600,243 winner this season, will be driven by Jack Moiseyev. Perfect World Enterprises’ Speed Demon, with Jim Morand driving, won the 2004 Matron frosh title.

The other starters are Silva and Sampson Street Stable’s Sleep Easy with George Brennan, and a pair with nearby connections. Dana Irving’s He’s Determined, a half brother to famed Red Bow Tie, from the rail with Ben Stafford Jr., and Bob Messick’s Milford, Del.-owned early season standout Roddy’s Bags Again with Daniel Dube. Let It Ride Stables’ Realiscape, piloted by Yannick Gingras, starts from outside in post eight.

Two CKG Billings Amateur Driver Series events lead off the program as non-wagering events. At 5 p.m, and 5:10 p.m. Billings season driving leaders Alan Schwartz and his closest pursuer Bob Krivelin continue their battle for this year’s title.

Saturday and Sunday racing begins at 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday post time is 4:30 p.m. There is no charge for admission or parking. Reservations are suggested for the Winner’s Circle Restaurant. Call 302-674-4600.