by Marv Bachrad, for Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Wakizashi Hanover held his challengers at bay in a determined effort to score a 1:52 triumph in the $30,000 Preferred Pace to highlight the final Thursday (Dec. 29) 2016 program at Dover Downs on a chilly evening. Also visiting the winner’s circle in the $27,500 Delaware Special was Seventh Secret, who is no longer a secret, after an impressive second straight victory over the same oval. The local 2017 season begins on Monday (Jan. 2).

Fotowon photo

Wakizashi Hanover collects his second win of the season in 1:52 over a field that included Little Brown Jug winner Vegas Vacation and world champion Dancin Yankee.

The combination of Wakizashi Hanover, the 2015 North America Cup and O’Brien Award winner and leading driver Tim Tetrick, captured their contest by a nose. The 4-year-old gelding who won more than $1.3 million last year, has battled throat problems throughout the season. The altered son of Dragon Again-Western Gesture has returned to top form of late with two wins, three seconds and a third, all in photo finishes, in his last seven starts for Nova Scotia owners Bruce Kennedy and Tri County Stable and conditioner Jim King Jr.

In this week’s event, Tetrick drove ‘Wakizashi’ to the lead after the opening quarter-mile in :27. The duo led the field through fractions of :55 and 1:23.4 prior to holding off a surging Sweet Rock (Allan Davis), who made a powerful bid on the rail, at the wire. Bettor’s Edge (Matt Kakaley) a close-up third while Bushwacker (Corey Callahan) thundered down the lane to finish fourth.

Since acquiring Seventh Secret, the George Dennis Stable, has shown steady improvement and the horse notched his second straight $27,000 Delaware Special win with Dennis at the controls. Joe Columbo trains the Allamerican Native-Secret Song 5-year-old for owners George and Tina Dennis Racing. Captive Audience (Tetrick) was the runner-up with Sicily (Allan Davis) third. Seventh Secret won for the sixth time this year banking $73,746.

In the $20,00 Open Handicap, Tom Lazzaro, Abe Basen and Robert Cooper Stables’ Arque Hanover also won his second consecutive race. Corey Callahan steered the 4-year-old son of Rock N Roll Heaven-A Pipin Hanover home in 1:52.4. It was Callahan and trainer Dylan Davis’ second win of the day. Silver Fox J Dennis), a 15-1 shot was second in front of Soto (Art Stafford Jr.).

Veteran Special T Rocks led off $15,500 Male paces with a 1:57.1 score with Jim Morand’s first of two winning drives. The John Cancelliere owned Rocknroll Hanover-Ladys Special Girl gelding is trained by Joe Hunderpfund. Cajun Lightning (Kakaley) and Abelard Hanover (Jonathan Roberts) finished second and third respectively.

Swapportunity won a $15,500 3-,4- and 5-Year-Old Male pace giving Morand his second win. The Les Givens trainee, owned by Ed Maas, Arlene Paisley and Nanticoke Racing, overcame starting from post nine in the second tier to win for the sixth time this campaign earning. Caviart Skyler (Kakaley) led early and finished second. All The Cookies (Tyler Davis) was the show horse.

In the final $15,500 pace, Niss Allen Inc.’s Ima Rebel closed out the 15-race card with a 1:53.1 victory by holding off Sporty Mercedes (Ross Wolfenden), who was second, and third-place Suchasenseofhumor (Morand). Willard Reynold conditions the 4-year-old who notched win number eight this season.

Defending champion Corey Callahan led all drivers with three wins. Montrell Teague, Vic Kirby, George Dennis, Jim Morand and trainer Dylan Davis had two winners each.

Dover Downs, its management and horsemen wish all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.