by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Jake’s Nordic prevailed by a nose in the $32,000 Open Handicap Trot on Wednesday (Jan. 30) at Dover Downs. Tim Tetrick (six wins) and Tony Morgan (three victories) dominated the driver column.

Fotowon photo

Jake’s Nordic (#3) nosed out Rose Run Flash in the Open Handicap Trot.

Dan and Tom Courtemanche’s classy warhorse Jake’s Nordic showed his class again as Tim Curtin drove the 9-year-old Keystone Nordic gelding to his second win of the year and 58th in his career, holding off a determined bid from Rose Run Flash in the stretch for a 1:56.1 victory.

Saint Johns Boy and Ross Wolfenden tested the winner during a serious duel on the backstretch but Jake’s Nordic persevered after Rose Run Flash appeared to collar him in the lane. Mighty Moses came on for Jim Morand to take third money. Don Boss Vita made his first start since early 2005 and broke stride at the start.

In the $29,000 Jr. Open, Grand Photo turned in a gritty 1:57 victory. Bob Shahan moved the S J’s Photo gelding into the lead in front of the grandstand and then had to fight off a stubborn challenge from White Hollow Bob and George Dennis from the half until mid-stretch. Grand Photo finally reached the finish line a nose in front of Travelin Lite, who closed from a two-hole trip with Mike Cole driving. Go Nano Go hustled three wide around the last turn and got up for third with Tim Curtin at the controls, while White Hollow Bob slipped to fourth.

It was Grand Photo’s second win in a row for owners Jeff Marsh, Jewell Marsh and Cindy Issel.

$16,800 Delaware Trot heads Thursday card

A $16,800 Delaware Trot tops the Thursday, Jan. 31, card at Dover Downs. First post is 4:30 p.m.

The feature trot is a wide-open affair. Chocolate Tiara, handled by George Dennis, owned by Harness The Power and North State Street Stable, is the program choice from post one with Diana Harrison’s Maid To Command and Bob Shahan starting alongside.

Nick Callahan’s Game Speed, with Corey Callahan, has returned to form. Ralph Shoemaker’s Rumpointer and Ross Wolfenden and Wende Columbo’s CC’s Glide-On-By with Joe Columbo in the bike lead the contenders.

Miss Snippy Queen, owned by Stacy and trainer-driver Art Stafford, Jr.; Devilish Miss, racing for Ed Maas, Nanticoke Racing and trainer-driver Brandon Givens; and JoAnn King’s Mystery Solved with Jim King have upset chances.

There is no live racing on Fridays and on Super Bowl Sunday. Saturday racing begins at 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday post time is 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.