by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs
Dover, DE — Just Like Sam, Voo Doo Raider and Jamin James lead a field of eight in the $25,000 claiming allowance, the Thursday, December 30 feature race at Dover Downs. First post is 4:30 p.m. Both Arty Foster’s Just Like Sam, with Kevin Sizer driving, and Voo Doo Raider, reined by Brad Hanners and owned by Todd Adams and Chad Tate, scored wins in their last start while Jamin James, owned and driven by Jim Morand, drops down in company. Blues Festival, owned by Foul Shot Farms and Doc & Me Inc., also has been racing in higher classifications. The Mike Cole driven Artsplace three-year-old won his last start at this level. The rest of the field is made up by Dittmar, Iaquinta and Wood’s Blue Orient A, with Ross Wolfenden, Alton Lynch, Sr.’s Shotaway N, piloted by George Dennis, Maria Murray’s Kovacev, handled by Billy Mann and Ron Waller and Nanticoke Racing’s Vested Hanover, with Les Givens from post eight. The sub-feature is a $20,000 claiming allowance with nine going to post. Rodney Long’s Whatayasay (Eddie Davis, Jr.), and Crystal Ball Stables’ Village Blutz (Ross Wolfenden) step up after good efforts last time out. Ralph Brumbaugh’s Top Flite Hanover (Kevin Sizer) and Vince Bradley’s Hunka Hickling N (Jim King) drop down in price. Fred Pollitt’s Smooth Machine N (Jim Morand) scored at this level earlier in the month. Phil Goldwater’s Finn Fiedler (Sean Bier) makes his first local start. Other contenders are John Littleton’s Fox Valley Yacob (Brad Hanners), Bill Emmons’ Harold Abbe N (Hal Belote) and Bill Reepmeyer and Gene Leich’s Stealth Flyer (George Dennis), who drew the rail. Monday through Thursday racing at Dover starts at 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday post time is 5:30 p.m. There is no racing on Fridays. Parking and admission are free. Reservations are suggested for the Winner’s Circle Restaurant. Call (302) 674-4600.