by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Corey Callahan seeks a seventh consecutive leading driver crown at Dover Downs as the track opens for its 47th campaign on Monday, Nov. 2 at 4:30 p.m. Dylan Davis looks for a second straight leading trainer title during the 2015-2016 meet.

Callahan drove 284 winners at the track last meet while regulars Allan Davis and Vic Kirby enjoyed their finest seasons. Tony Morgan, a 15,000-race winner, Ross Wolfenden, George Dennis, Montrell Teague, Roger Plante, Vince Copeland, Art Stafford Jr. and Jim Morand are among the regulars in the driver colony. On opening day, newcomers Andrew McCarthy, Dan Rawlings along with Marcus Miller, Pat Berry, Eric Goodell and former track champion Tim Tetrick are listed to drive.

The opening month features a “Novemberfest of Stakes.” Opening week, all four lucrative Matron Stakes for 2-year-old trotters and pacers will be featured on the Thursday, Nov. 5 card along with the start of the Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund (DSBF), with the opening pre-elimination for freshman male pacers.

The draw declaration for all 2-year-old Matron Stake divisions is set for Monday, Nov.2. The four Matron 3-year-old division prelims will be drawn on Monday, Nov. 9 to be raced on Thursday, Nov. 12.

To supplement the Matron events, there is a $20,000 declaration fee for 2-year-olds and a $25,000 fee for 3-year-olds.

Matron and race day entries must be made from 10:30 a.m. until 12-Noon. There are no exceptions after the box is closed.

Again this season on Mondays, a $30,000 Preferred Pace, $27,500 Delaware Special and $20,000 Open paces are the feature races. Tuesdays, there is a $20,000 Filly and Mare Open pace and top trotters vie on Wednesday in an $18,000 Open. Top- priced claiming pacers tangle each Thursday.

Dover Downs features 15-races daily; In January and February, Sunday racing is added, with post time at 5:30 p.m. becoming the fifth racing day of these months. Monday through Thursday racing begins at 4:30 p.m.

The Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund (DSBF) is part of the Novemberfest. The spotlight will be on the First-State sired 2-year-olds with two $20,000 preliminary legs and four $100,000 finals.

There is no charge for parking and admission at Dover Downs. Early reservations are suggested for the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and for those planning to stay at Dover Downs Hotel. For reservations call 302-674-4600.