by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — A big opening week sparked by four lucrative Matron Stakes for 2-year-olds highlights the start of the 2016-17 season at Dover Downs. The Delaware capital city five-eighths-mile track begins its 48th meet on Monday (Oct. 31).

Monday morning from 10 a.m. until 12 Noon sharp, the entry box will open for the four Matron 2-year-old trots and paces. The following week, the Matron 3-year-olds will race.

The richest of the Matron freshman stakes is the $161,700 (est.) colt and gelding pace. The filly pace will have a $145,000 (est.) purse while both trots will go for around $140,000 each.

On the opening 15-race card is the Monday feature race, a $30,000 Preferred-Open Handicap Pace, led by Ohio champion and $1 million winner Dancin Yankee, a long time Dover staple; the fast Mel Mara; and local favorite Mustang Art.

The program also includes an $18,000 Open Pace and two $15,000 paces.

On Tuesday, Australian invader Nike Franco N and Scandalicious top the $20,000 female pace feature while Theresademoninme, Somebody AS, Il Mago and Maestro Blue Chip tangle in the $20,000 Open Handicap Trot.

Also getting underway during opening week is the first of two preliminary $20,000 legs of the Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund for 2-year-old trotters and pacers.

Later in November is the $330,000 (est.) Hap Hansen Progress Pace, the track’s signature event, featuring the top 3-year-old colt pacers.

The remaining first week Dover Downs draw schedule is: Monday (Oct. 31) for Thursday (Nov. 3) including all four Matron 2-year-old paces and trots. Box closes at 12 Noon.

The regular draw schedule then becomes: Monday for Sunday; Tuesday for Monday; Wednesday for Tuesday; Thursday for Wednesday; and Sunday for Thursday.

The Dover Downs entry box and scratch time is 12 Noon sharp.

The daily post time for Monday through Thursday is 4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday are dark days. Sundays in November, racing begins at 5:30 p.m. Parking and admission are free. Reservations are suggested for the Winner’s Circle Restaurant’s acclaimed buffet and for the 4-star Dover Downs Hotel. Call 302.674.4600.