by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — The box was opened for Dover Downs’ 37th meet opener, set for Monday, October 31. Race Secretary Don Knapton was greeted by a full compliment of horses answering the call for the initial draw on Tuesday, October 25. The 2005-06 meet continues six days a week until April 13, 2006. First post is 4:30 p.m. this Monday.

A $30,000 Preferred Pace and a $29,000 Delaware Special top an outstanding 15 race opening day card. The undercard features a $24,000 Open Handicap Pace, an $18,500 Winners Over Pace, two $15,000 Delaware Winners Over Paces and two $40,000 claiming paces.

In the $30,000 feature, Dan and Tom Courtemanche’s Bobnoxious, with Tim Curtin, is the reigning Horse of the Meet. He also was the luckiest in drawing the rail. Challengers include razor sharp Chewy Gross, handled by Jim Morand, and classy Driven To Win, with David Miller driving, who leaves from the outside post seven. Nick Callahan’s fast Master This with Brian Sears, Ashlee’s Big Guy and Ross Wolfenden, Primary Colours N with Eddie Davis, Jr. and Keystone Rodeo, steered by defending track dash win champion Brad Hanners, complete the field.

A pair of newcomers to the track, Scooting Scholar (Brandon Givens) and Richard Roberts and trainer Bob Reeser’s Indiana champion Leram Bluegrass (Tony Morgan) lead nine to post in the $29,000 Delaware Special. Hard hitting Art Director (Brad Hanners), Gold Rocket A (Sean Bier), Dream Wave (David Miller), Cool Flying Fun (Jim Morand), High Calibre N (Steve Warrington), Jate’s Jake (Alan Davis) and Future Treasure (Mark Jordan) are the other contenders.

The Tuesday card features a $24,000 Filly and Mare Open pace. On Wednesday, the top trotters vie in a $24,000 Open. The first weekend features the start of a near $4.5 million stakes program. On Saturday, all four Matron two-year-old divisions begin with eliminations. The Sunday card is topped by $35,000 Progress Pace elims for three-year-olds.

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