by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Jolly Lester and Arid N used different methods to post $14,000 male pace wins in co-features at Dover Downs on Sunday, Feb. 15.

Fotowon photo

Tony Morgan piloted Jolly Lester to a 1:52.3 score on Sunday at Dover.

In the first $14,000 male pace, Tony Morgan went to the front early with Jolly Lester and the Sportsmaster-U Olive gelding would not be denied in an impressive 1:52.3 victory. Now owned by Shannon DiAntonio and Green Racing Inc., it was the first local win for the recently acquired Chicago 4-year-old. Music Man NZ (Corey Callahan) used the passing lane to nip H Hall (Brian Burton) for second.

The second division turned into a mad dash to the wire with several lead changes in the stretch before Art Brewer’s Arid N, driven by Brandon Givens, won the 1:54.3 photo. Race favorite Rocket Gabriel (Callahan) was second with Bachelorboy (Morgan) the third-place finisher.

Jim Morand and trainer George Teague teamed for a double. Johnny Z, owned by Teague and Elmer Fannin, romped to a 1:53 victory in his first 3-year-old start to win a $10,500 pace. Hare Force One (Ross Wolfenden) was second best with J Vs Tank (Callahan) taking show money. The win was the third lifetime in five starts for the son of The Panderosa-Sepia Hanover.

Earlier, in another $10,500 pace for young males, Wambam Sam, a Real Artist-Roses For Sammie Pa. Sire Stakes winner at two, made his seasonal debut a winning one as Morand guided a 1:54 triumph for owners Teague and Let Me Out Stable. It was his third win in five starts with a second and a third. The Osco Kid (Morgan) was second in front of Near Mist (Ross Wolfenden).