by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Dream-A-While overwhelmed seven rivals to win the $27,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace in 1:50.4, two-fifths of a second off the world and track record for an older pacing mare. Dance Hall won the $15,500 sub-feature on the last Tuesday of the Dover Downs meet on April 11. Tony Morgan continued his multiple winning days with five trips to the winner’s circle.

Fotowon Photo

Dream-A-While captured the Tuesday feature at Dover Downs.

Art Stafford, Jr. pulled out of fifth driving Dream-A-While and whizzed past the leaders on the backstretch to take the lead at the three-quarter mark and then opened up big lead around the final turn to win by nine lengths. Four Winds N (Tony Morgan) was second best with Tawny (Brad Hanners) the show finisher. A five-year-old daughter of Dream Away, Dream-A-While is owned by Chris and Phil Stefani and has won three of 13 starts, with three seconds and three thirds, while earning $41,970 this year.

Dance Hall, owned by Don Hawk, John Hynansky and trainer Dan Warrington, won for the fourth consecutive time, turning back seven foes in 1:52.4 to win a $15,500 Mares Pace. Steve Warrington guided the Blissfull Hall four-year-old home an easy winner with Riddlemethat (Tim Curtin) closing for second. Shes A Blast (Ross Wolfenden) was third.

Red Hot Message lowered his lifetime best winning time to 1:56.1 as Tony Morgan drove the Carry The Message gelding to victory in a $14,000 conditioned trot. Getinthephoto (Ross Wolfenden) won the photo for second. Rattlesnake Jake (George Dennis) was third.

Tony Morgan posted the third of his five wins by steering WJ McDougall Racing’s Joey Bravo home in 1:54.1 to win a $12,600 Delaware three, four, and five-year-old pace. Ibegone (Brad Hanners) was right behind with Icy Hot (Art Stafford, Jr.) taking third money.

GE’s Jen, owned by Brad Sawyer and trainer Phil Mitchell, was too much for eight rivals in a $12,500 Mares Pace. Veteran Eddie Davis drove the seven-year-old daughter of JK Outlaw to a career fastest 1:51.1 success. Donna’s Girl (Brad Hanners) and Love Lace Mindale (Tim Curtin) were second and third, respectively.

Tim Curtin drove Ed Harwood’s Passing Lane Penny into the lead on the final turn and rolled on to win the $11,000 Mares Pace in 1:54. Bay Express N (Eddie Dennis) was second in front of Ideal Party (Tony Morgan).

In a $10,800 Delaware three, four, and five-year-old pace, Deliver-The-Bags returned to the winner’s circle for a third time in four starts, with Jim King driving the Dave Slayback owned and trained altered son of Sealed N Delivered. Three Of Diamonds (Tony Morgan) came on for second with Inthepockethistime (Eddie Davis, Jr.) the third horse.

Esther Bier’s Riley Rose, driven by Tony Morgan, scored a 1:55 victory in a $10,500 Filly and Mares Pace, her second win of the year. Dream Island (George Dennis) was runner-up with Notation Hanover (Ross Wolfenden) up in the last stride for third.

Vic Kirby had a driving double.

Dover Downs’ 37th season comes to an end on Thursday, April 13, with Wednesday and Thursday post time at 4:30 p.m. There is no charge for parking or admission. Reservations are suggested for the Winner’s Circle Restaurant. Call (302) 674-4600.