by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Khifra Hanover and Grand Photo returned to the win column with $22,000 Jr. Open Trot victories on Wednesday, Dec. 19, at Dover Downs.

Khifra Hanover posted her 16th victory of the year on Wednesday.

Julianna Edwards’ Khifra Hanover secured her 16th victory of the year as Frank Milby took the Lindy Lane 5-year-old to the lead early and sped away to a 1:56.4 triumph. Sugar Valley Alley and Carlo Poliseno made a big move around the final turn to challenge, but Milby sped away to a two length decision. Spunky Vic, the only 3-year-old in the field, closed for Tony Morgan along the passing lane to nip Sugar Valley Alley for second.

Khifra Hanover came into 2007 with only five starts, two wins and $3,745 on her card. This victory shoots her earnings to $98,465 after her 30th start this campaign.

Foto Won photos

Grand Photo (#7) held off Magic Swan by a nose.

Razor sharp Grand Photo registered his fastest winning time as Bob Shahan guided the S J’s Photo gelding to a front-trotting 1:56.1 victory. Magic Swan, with Vic Kirby, finished second with Rattlesnake Jake and George Dennis next.

The win was the seventh of the season for Grand Photo, now a winner of $64,775 this year for owners Jeff and Jewell Marsh and Cindy Issel.

Driver Jim Morand and the Foulk Stables made three trips to the winner’s circle while Ross Wolfenden had a driving double.

$12,500 Trot heads Thursday card

A $12,500 Delaware Trot is the Thursday, Dec. 13, feature race at Dover Downs. First post is 4:30 p.m.

The trot is a wide-open affair. Sir Pete (Jim Morand), second last week, has a win and a third in his last three outings while Raging Prospect, starting from post eight with Sam Belote driving, finished third last Thursday.

Chocolate Tiara, handled by George Dennis, after consecutive third places, drew the rail this time, while Nick Callahan’s Game Speed and Corey Callahan moves in out of the claiming ranks. Twin B Tween, owned by Ellen Moffitt and trainer Ron Millman, has been racing well and will be driven by Mike Cole.

The other competitors are Max Walton’s Sir Chip with Bret Brittingham, JoAnn King’s Nikki’s Game with Jim King, and owner/trainer/driver Jim Atlkinson’s Team Sakra, co-owned with Carol Atkinson.

Thursday racing starts at 4:30 p.m., then the annual Christmas Holiday Break Week begins. Racing will resume on Saturday, Dec. 29, Fan Appreciation Day.