by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Cash In Your Chips pulled a 14-1 surprise last week and returns in this week’s $24,000 four-year-old Open Handicap on Sunday, March 20 at Dover Downs. Post time is 5:30 p.m.

Last Sunday, Wilson Clark and Tom Beaver’s Cash In Your Chips closed with a rush to score his first 2005 victory with Mike Cole at the controls. This week he starts from the outside post eight.

Three former event winners are in the lineup. Brooks Stables’ Allamerican Knight has two wins, but finished off the board for the first time last Sunday. Baxter Stables’ Homeland Hero, driven by Jim King, won the first edition in January. Returning after a week off is Kovach Stable’s Art Director, reunited with Brad Hanners.

Jim Sprow, Crystal Ball Stables and LeBlanc Racing’s Marchand, a stakes winner last season, now has two starts under his belt and will be a major contender. Cavalli Pazzi Stables’ Harry Hornet, reined by Ross Wolfenden, starts from the inside while Bob Figlozzi, Ron Nelson and Wendy Crissman’s Dream Possession and Hal Belote should improve with a better post position.

New to the field is Ken and Betsy Wood and Henry King’s Mark’s Secret Love, stepping up from a second in the Jr. Open last time out.

Pedone (Jim Morand), owned by Fred and Anita Fialkow, starts from the rail in the sub-featured $17,500 three, four, and five-year-old pace, after fashioning an impressive 1:52.1 victory last Saturday.

Among the nine starters, Ted Tomson’s TSM Scar Face (Brad Hanners), Griffin Conley’s Anton Hanover (Roger Plante), Pearl Kirby’s Pegasus Osborne (Vic Kirby) and the Foster family’s Zatta N (Kevin Sizer) have been the sharpest.

A $20,000 claiming pace also has nine starters. Jeff Fuller’s Bam Bam Billy (Ross Wolfenden), Barry Franklin’s Primus Sammy (Kevin Sizer), and Rich Hastings and trainer Kay Gannon’s Airborne EJ (Jim Morand) all drop down in claiming price.

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