by Marv Bachrad, Publicity Director, Dover Downs
Dover, DE — After a week’s hiatus, Pure Kemp, a recent Rich Lombardo and Green Racing acquisition seeks his second straight win and third in his last four starts in the $12,000 feature trot on New Year’s Day, Monday (Jan. 1) at Dover Downs. Tony Morgan nears 16,000 winning drives on the 13-race card.
Fotowon photo
Tony Morgan is only four wins away from 16,000 for his career.
Tim Tetrick will drive Pure Kemp, now a 4-year-old, for trainer Josh Green and the duo will meet seven opponents in the first feature event of 2018. The competition includes Sheer Assault, a well-bred but lightly raced competitor owned by Howard Taylor, Tom Lazzaro and trainer Dylan Davis, driven by Corey Callahan in addition to Tina Clark’s Splashed with Vic Kirby in the bike from the rail. Owner/trainer Mike Hall’s Wild Whiskey is another member of the opposition.
Art Stafford Jr. handles Sweetchap for owners Ken Wood, Bill Dittmar, Steve Iaquinta and Minisink Farms. Bill Cantrell’s Great Kate piloted by Jonathan Roberts is a promising newcomer to the John Cabot barn. Papaglider owned by Jeff Start makes his first local start for Allan Davis. Lou Catana and trainer Vince Bradley, after a win last time with Tony Morgan, must overcome leaving from outside post eight.
A $17,500 claiming pace is led by Mister Virgin (Morgan) looking for a third consecutive triumph. Lew’s Maverick (Eddie Davis Jr.) drew the rail for Kathleen Mofield, John Dickens and KDK Standardbreds, and Frank Chick’s Carracci Hanover (Davis Jr.) are among the challengers in a nine-horse field.
Tony Morgan, who finished the Dover 2017 portion of its six-month long meet with 15,996 winning drives, is listed on eight drives in the New Year’s Day opener.