by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs
Dover, DE — Tawny took the lead at the start on the way to a 1:53 victory in the $22,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace on Tuesday, January 4 at Dover Downs. It was one of three wins for meet leader Brad Hanners. Dover Downs Photo Brad Hanners steered Tawny to the winner’s circle in the Dover feature. Hanners reached the 100 mark in wins this meet in only the 46th of a 133 program season, driving Tawny, a four-year-old Noble Return mare he also trains for owner Skip Miller. A winner of 10 races last season, the win was the second since arriving at the track in late December. Tawny was never headed beating Cams Little Imp N (Ross Wolfenden) and Jeff Franklin’s Horse of the Meet two seasons back, Rain Dance Kim (Travis Bowman), who went off at 16-1.
Brooks Stables’ classy veteran Hasty Dewar, overlooked at 14-1 after a win last week, benefited from a two hole trip following odds-on favorite Toy Dragon (Steve Warrington) from the start before closing in the passing lane to win a $15,500 Mares Winners Over Pace in 1:53.3, giving driver Kevin Sizer a double. Miss Fish Lady (Eddie Davis) closed strongly to finish second, beaten a half length. Toy Dragon held on for third.
Rodney Long’s Mapua Magic N proved her fast finishing victory at 25-1 odds last time out was no fluke. The Homes Hanover import again came from far back in mid-backstretch for Ross Wolfenden to score a 1:54 victory in an $11,500 Filly and Mare pace. Roses Best (Bret Brittingham) closed along the pylons to finish second in front of Felicity (Travis Bowman).
Deliberate Foul won the night’s top trot. Leah Vandervort steered the six-year-old gelding home in 1:57 to win the $11,000 event. New Dawn Hanover (Eddie Davis) was runner-up. Keystone Stratus (Brad Hanners) finished third.
Hezapeach will be back in for a price
A trio of $40,000 claiming paces will top a strong Wednesday, January 5 card at Dover Downs. Post time will be at 4:30 p.m.
In the first $40,000 claiming race, Charles Miller’s Hezapeach will return to this level after having stepped into the conditioned ranks, in which he posted a 1:564 victory with Brad Hanners driving.
Rodney Mitchell’s Swinging Scooter A, with Eddie Davis aboard; Al Windon and Rodney Wyatt’s Ring Of Life, to be driven by Jim Morand, who finished second last time out; and Herb Abbe N, who has posted consecutive second place finishes, and who has been claimed after each of those starts, the most recent time by Cantwell Bridge Stable, will be among the starters, and Ross Wolfenden will be in the bike behind Herb Abbe N.
Other sharp contenders include Baldachino, Outten, and Green Racing’s The Cammissioner, who will be leaving from the rail with Jim Morand in the bike; Coopers Creek N, to be driven by Steve Warrington for Gary Minner and Pete Richardson; and Irwin Samelman’s Hezaumpn Bluegrass and driver Frank Milby. Wayne Pryor and Doc and Me, Inc.’s Kyrios N, to be handled by Sean Bier, will make his first start after a one month absence.
Old Melodies (Kevin Sizer), claimed by Woody Long and trainer Bobby Glassmeyer from a $20,000 claiming race, which he won, and then winning for $25,000, will advance to the $40,000 ranks in a second co-feature. Kelly, Rafanelli, and Mancini’s Elwood J Blues N (Frank Milby) will make his first appearance for a tag.
Tough opposition is expected from Mr Doitforus (Brad Hanners), owned by Mark Levine and Golden Goose Enterprises, who will return after having made two starts at the Meadowlands; Pfeil (Daryl Bier), owned by Wayne Pryor and Wendy Crissman), who drew the rail; and Rodney Mitchell’s Elijay Ed (Eddie Davis), who will start alongside Pfeil.
Gary Wolf’s Wynfield Bob (Ross Wolfenden), Robert Figliozzi’s Secret Harbor (Tim Curtin), and Wayne King’s Transit Earl A (Mike Cole), who has drawn post eight, will also start.
Three starters in the third $40,000 claiming race each won their previous starts. Roy Parker’s Maverick Seelster (Eddie Davis, Jr.), Jim Cane and trainer Bob Shana’s On Track (Brad Hanners), and Bill Emmons’ Kilkerran Scot (Ross Wolfenden) all won their most recent races.
Dom Rafanelli’s Galactic Council N (Roger Plante), Ken Wood and Roy Adams’ Dream About Me A (Ross Wolfenden), and W.J. McDougall and Crissman, Inc.’s Ronnie Mac A (George Dennis) will lead the opposition, which will also include Wayne Pryor and Wendy Crissman’s Company Stock (Hal Belote) and Snyder, Baldachino, and Avery’s Steam The Windows (Jim Morand).
Dover Downs has added a Pick 4 to its wagering format, and it will be featured on the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh races each day, and a fifth superfecta has been added to the track’s daily, six day a week, 15 race schedule. Superfectas will be offered on the third, fifth, ninth, 13th, and 15th races. Simulcasting from major harness and Thoroughbred tracks is featured daily, from 12:00 noon until 12:00 midnight.
Again this year, Dover Downs will race on Saturday and Sunday, beginning at 5:30 p.m., and on Monday through Thursday, post time will be at 4:30 p.m. There is no charge for parking and admission. Reservations are suggested for the Winner’s Circle Restaurant. Call (302) 674-4600.