by Marv Bachrad, Publicity Director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Major Uptrend, a sub-1:50 winner of his last two takes on two talented newcomers, Christen Me N and Starznheaven in the top race of the week, a $27,500 Preferred- Open/Handicap, on another standout 13-race program at Dover Downs this Thursday (Feb. 22).

A 1:49.4 winner two weeks ago and again wire-to-wire in 1:49 last Thursday, Niss Allen and Crissman Inc.’s Major Uptrend and driver Tony Morgan return to meet Rich Poillucci’s highly ranked Christen Me N. This is his second start this year, with Tim Tetrick handling the reins.

Starznheaven with Vic Kirby racing for Weaver Bruscemi, Karr, Emond and Burke Racing, joins the field and is a winner of two Meadowlands features in 2018.

Reggie Hazzard and Legacy Racing’s fast finishing Sicily and Montrell Teague are also among the field of seven.

A pair of $25,000-$30,000 claiming handicaps top the contentious undercard. In one, Dialamara makes his first start for Gary Ewing after being claimed two weeks ago. He meets Mike Casalino and Dylan Davis’ Jet Airway (Corey Callahan), Bobby Glassmeyer’s Play The Field (Jonathan Roberts); George & Tina Dennis Racing’s Imkeepnthisguy (Mike Cole) and Ron Davis’ Ideal Fashion (Morgan) in a field of nine.

In the other division, Cyclone Kiwi N (Callahan) also makes his initial start for new owner Bruce Soulsby, who claimed him in late January for $35,000 after his fifth straight victory. Arty Foster and Wanda May Saulsbury has been knocking in his last six outings.

Crissy Bier and Joan Hamstead’s Im Supersonic A (Sean Bier) is fresh from a victory last time out.

Dover Downs offers a 50-cent Pick-5 wager, starting with the second race through the sixth. A late daily double is carded for the 12th and 13th races. Post time is 4:30 p.m.