by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Another Thursday and another banner program at Dover Downs is headlined by a $30,000 Preferred and a $25,000 Open Pace on a speedy card on Dec. 7.

All six starters in the $30,000 Preferred are used to racing in 1:50 or faster.

Mel Mara, owned by Robert Cooper Stables and J&T Silva Stables, with Corey Callahan set to drive, has a personal record of 1:47. Mel Mara, arguably one of the fastest horses in North America, is approaching the $1 million mark in career earnings.

Major Uptrend won in 1:49 this year at Dover Downs and has Tony Morgan in the bike. Major Uptrend has been a local favorite since entering the Tim Crissman Stable. He leaves from the rail after a 1:49.3, near-wire-to-wire win last week.

Richard Poillucci’s Christen Me N, a $2 million winner and former star New Zealand champion, leaves from the outside with Ross Wolfenden. Since arriving in the U.S, Christen Me N has three wins and a close-up second in his last four starts.

Other potent rivals are Soto, handled by Art Stafford Jr., who races for Ken Wood, Bill Dittmar and Steve Iaquinta. He is an ultra-consistent performer who shows in his seven recent races, three seconds and three thirds. Sweet Rock, piloted by Vic Kirby, has a win, two seconds and a third in his last four outings for Reg Hazzard, Gary Calloway and Legacy Racing of DE. Gus Dovi’s Bettor Memories, with Russell Foster, has battled top class Pacers in Preferred and Open company.

The $25,000 Open Handicap is another strong affair. Last week’s winner, Only Money Inc. and trainer Jason Skinner’s Bags To Riches (Foster), the only 3-year-old in the field, won in 1:49.4. Sicily (Montrell Teague) finished second while Cajon Lightning (Stafford Jr. this week) was third, only a half-length back after starting from outside post eight. Jo Ann Looney-King’s Q’s Cruise (Kirby this week) was fourth.

There is also a talented supporting card on the 13-race program.

Dover Downs has added a 50-cent Pick-5 wager, starting with the second race through the sixth. A late daily double is carded for the 12th and 13th races.