by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — After being claimed last time out, Brioni stepped up to win the $15,000 claiming allowance with a 1:53.1 effort at Dover Downs on the first Sunday card of the meet, Jan. 3.

Marcus Miller steered Broni to his second consecutive win and fourth in his last five races, scoring a 1:53.1 triumph for new owner-trainer Arty Foster. The now 5-year-old son of Four Starzzz Shark-Armbro Bahama won a tight photo from Native Art (Montrell Teague) and Danish Diligence (Ross Wolfenden). The win extends his lifetime bankroll to $83,865. As Bad As Thunder (Brett Brittingham) saw a three-race win streak end with a fourth-place finish.

Jingle Bell Rocker, a dominant claiming winner last year reaching the winner’s circle 16 times, started off the New Year with his fifth consecutive victory for owner Tina Clark. Les Givens conditions the Rocknroll Hanover-Blizzard Of Oz gelding, driven by Ross Wolfenden in all his local wins. Arockin Hanover (Allan Davis) was second with Alex In Wonderland (Sean Bier) third.

Also on the program, Corey Callahan racked up his third winner, steering Tom Lazzaro’s Contraband Hanover, a Somebeachsomewhere-Castaway Hanover gelding, to an easy 1:53 win. It was meet leading trainer Dylan Davis’ second winner. Lettucefib A (Art Stafford Jr.) finished second with Morgan Shark (Wolfenden) third.

Callahan led all drivers with three wins, while Vic Kirby had a double. Joe Hundertpfund and Dylan Davis haltered two winners each.