by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Hicktown scored a wire-to-wire, 1:53.4 victory in the $19,500 4- and 5-year-old pace while Expensive Boy and Rambo Kandu took the $14,500 co-featured trots on Saturday, Feb. 2, at Dover Downs.

For the second straight start, Hicktown turned back eight foes to win the Saturday feature pace as Corey Callahan guided the Cole Muffler gelding to his fifth win in his last six outings for Rhoda and trainer Bob Smith. American Gold (Jonathan Roberts) zipped down the passing lane to edge Big League Yankee (Jim Morand) for the runner-up spot.

Expensive Boy, sixth at the three-quarters with Tim Curtin driving for Tom and Dan Courtemanche, came on in deep stretch to score a 1:58 victory in a $14,500 conditioned trot. Dingy’s Party (Tom Clendining) was second. Financial Glider (Ross Wolfenden) was the show finisher. The win was the second for Curtin.

Fotowon photo

Rambo Kandu was a 1:58.1 winner.

Also in the co-featured trot division, 11-1 shot Edgar Mantha’s Rambo Kandu scored a 1:58.1 triumph with reinsman Mike Cole. Twelve Seventeen (Jack Parker, Jr.) was runner-up. Masters Perfection (Corey Callahan) was third.

Jeff Bartels’ OC Orange Crush racked up her second straight victory and third in the last four starts, turning in a 1:55.3 victory in the $16,500 distaff pace for young females. Tony Morgan drove the Artiscape 4-year-old for trainer Eli Scott. Family Love (Jonathan Roberts) closed with a rush to nip Lucky Lady L (Roger Plante) for second.

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