by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Keystone Rodeo, last season’s Horse of the Meet, and Driven To Win, returning after a week off, lead a select field of six in the $37,500 Preferred Pace, while two-time winner Black Cat Bone is the one to beat in the $35,000 Delaware Special at Dover Downs on Monday, Feb. 5.

A $28,500 Open, three $21,000 Winners Over Paces, a $17,500 4- and 5-year-old pace, a $15,000 and a $12,500 male pace, along with two $40,000, a $30,000, a $25,000 and a $20,000 claiming pace are also on the power packed card.

Last Monday, Fred and Anita Fialkow’s Keystone Rodeo returned to the feature race and Brad Hanners used the passing lane to finish second. The inside post belongs to Driven To Win, with David Miller driving for Milton and Martha Frank, Ted Gewertz and trainer Joe Holloway. Ron Pierce pilots Jerome Voldock’s PH Top Dog, who made his local debut finishing third last week. Ross Wolfenden will drive Boy Oh Boy Stable’s Dream Rocket, while Cacamese, Knight, Friedland and LeBlanc Racing’s Maximum Viking, with Jim Morand, and Sharky Osborne, with Tony Morgan racing for Gary Minner and Pete Richardson, are the other formidable contestants.

The luck of the draw was with Erika Paradee’s Black Cat Bone and driver Ron Pierce, leaving from the rail after two straight wins in the $35,000 Delaware Special. Kovach Stable’s Art Director, with Tim Tetrick in the bike, has been in top form of late, as has Marjorie Richards’ strong finisher Clinton Longshot, handled by Ross Wolfenden. After four straight times leaving from post one, Four Starzzz Favor recently saw a six-race win streak end. Last week he raced impressively to finish second in this event. Roger Plante will drive for owners Susan Ehlers and trainer Jason Skinner.

Greg Simendinger’s High Calibre N drew post four with John Herren to drive. Wendy Crissman and Ron Lloyd’s Jr Mint will have the services of Tony Morgan. Both Johnny and Chase Waite’s Noble Tess, reined by Brandon Givens, and Mitch and Pearl Fisher’s The Intimidator, driven by Art Stafford, Jr., have upset credentials.

Last week’s winner, The Cheyenne Gang’s 29-1 upsetter Cheyenne Hollywood and Brandon Givens, and previous week victor Midnight Walk, owned by Rodney Long and Tim Hunderpfund, with Ross Wolfenden at the helm, lead nine starters in the $28,500 Open Pace. Ken Wood’s Ross The Boss N also was a winner last week and has the inside post in this one. Bob and Greg Laham and Carolyn Franklin’s Crystal Art, with Jim Morand, also has a strong shot.

The other main contenders include Fred and Anita Fialkow’s Nvincibl Artist, driven by Tim Tetrick, Three Point Acres’ Lotsa Guy with Tony Morgan, John and Erika Paradee and Mike Zimmerman’s Beware Beret with Ron Pierce, Bob Collins’ Hincapie Hanover with Brad Hanners and Henry Faragalli Jr. and III, Belle Bauman and trainer Del Cote’s Next Flight with Ross Wolfenden.

Monday through Thursday live racing begins at 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday post times are 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.