by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Dover Downs Race Secretary Rod Newhart reveals there will be a new format for race days this meet with the top pace, the $30,000 Preferred, moving to Thursday this season.

On Tuesdays, the feature race will be a $23,000 Filly and Mare Open Pace. The week’s top event for diagonally gaited performers, a $23,000 Open Trot, is now set for Tuesdays.

Dover Downs’ first draw of the 2012-2013 season takes place this Monday (Oct. 29) for races on opening day, Sunday (Nov. 4). The Tuesday (Oct. 30) draw is for Monday (Nov. 5) racing.

During the first week only, Monday (Oct. 29) through Thursday (Nov. 1), the Race Office will be open from 8-10 a.m. sharp.

For those seeking to qualify, horses must be dropped in on Tuesday for Wednesday qualifying races. The first qualifying races are set for Oct. 31.

Starting Sunday (Nov. 4), the Race Office will accept entries from 10 a.m. until 12 Noon sharp. There are no exceptions.

The first Monday in November (Nov. 5) is the date to enter horses nominated to the $450,000 (est.) Progress Pace and seven rich Matron Stakes. The last Matron event, the Matron 3-year-old colt and gelding pace, takes place starting a week later, with entry day for the elims on Monday (Nov. 19) to be raced on Sunday (Nov. 25).

On race days, the Race Office phone numbers are 302.857.3230 or 302.674.4600, ext. 3230. To fax, dial 302.741.8986.

Daily condition sheets are available on the track’s website at www.doverdowns.com.

The November and December racing schedule is Sundays at 5:30 p.m. and weekdays, Mondays through Thursdays, at 4:30 p.m. During the first two months there is no live racing on Fridays and Saturdays.

Beginning with the New Year, another race day, Saturday, will be added to the weekly schedule for January and February with Saturday and Sunday post time for weekend racing at 1 p.m. There is no change weekdays, Monday through Thursday, at 4:30 p.m.