by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — It was another Tony Morgan night on Wednesday, Jan. 23, at Dover Downs. The sport’s leading dash driver in early 2008 piloted Self Professed from last at the half to a 1:55.4 victory in the $26,00 Open Handicap Trot, one of his seven winners on the card. Morgan has won 62 races since Jan. 1.

Fotowon photo

Self Professed closed on the outside to win the Open Handicap Trot, one of Tony Morgan’s seven wins on the card.

In the feature, Jabez and driver Matt Butcher, and Tim Curtin driving Jake’s Nordic, waged a tenacious head-to-head battle from the quarter until mid-stretch. Morgan, drawing post eight with Self Professed, began to move from last after the half and followed moving cover provided by Rose Run Flash and Mike Cole along the backstretch and to the top of the lane.

Self Professed, owned by Martin Scharf and trained by track leader Josh Green, then rolled up on the outside of a five horse wall with the most speed to reach the finish line in 1:55.4. Elvis Cole, teamed with Corey Callahan, traveled the passing lane to get up for second in front of Rose Run Flash. Mighty Moses with Jim Morand was a close up fourth in front of Jabez.

Two races earlier in the sub-featured $23,000 Jr. Open Trot, Bob Shahan found room to get to the outside in deep stretch with Grand Photo and then bolted home a 1:56.4 winner. Spunky Vic, with Tony Morgan, took second in front of White Hollow Bob, the early leader, driven by George Dennis. Jeff and Jewell Marsh and Cindy Issel own the SJ’s Photo gelding, now a winner of $101,533 lifetime.

$14,000 Pace tops Thursday card

A $14,000 male pace tops the Thursday, Jan. 24, card at Dover Downs. First post is 4:30 p.m.

Gary Green and Constance Moore’s St Lads Kingpin was an impressive winner in his last two wins with Brandon Givens at the controls. The 4-year-old Million Dollar Cam gelding is one of eight starters in the $14,000 4- and 5-year-old male pace.

Richard Esham and trainer-driver Bryan Truitt’s Stacy’s Character came from off the pace last time while Gateway Stable’s Pros Best Dream and Ross Wolfenden won wire-to-wire. George Hobbs’ Forever Good has been racing well for Jim Morand.

Monday though Thursday post time is 4:30 p.m. There is no live racing on Fridays. Saturday and Sunday racing begins at 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.