by Darrell Wood, publicity director, Colonial Downs

New Kent, VA — Dean Eckley’s Omaha Survivor wired the field in a $4,500 first leg division of the Delmarva Handicap Pacing Series in 1:50.4 Thursday afternoon at Colonial Downs.

Coady photo

Omaha Survivor wired the field in the first division of the Delmarva Handicap Pacing Series in 1:50.4 on Thursday at Colonial Downs.

Driver Robert Dinning, who is competing at Colonial for the first time ever, directed the 8-year-old Ideal Towne gelding to fractions of :26, :55 and 1:23.2 before crossing the wire in 1:50.4. That final time equaled his previous mark which he set at Pompano three years ago.

Omaha Survivor maintained a 1-1/2 length lead throughout the race and beat runner-up Diamond Star by that exact distance. Trainer Stacy McLenaghan’s second place finisher got a pocket trip from the start but could not wear down the pacesetter in the stretch. Eckley’s charge, who is owned by Gregory Gardner, captured his 26th career win.

Amanda Jackson’s Hillbilly Desire came from behind to earn a Delmarva division win Thursday as well. Frank Milby guided the 4-year-old Real Desire pacing mare to a one length win over Dalhousie Dave in 1:53. The eventual winner was sixth entering the turn but went three-wide and passed all but one by the head of the stretch. After a slow start this year, Hillbilly Desire has won three of her last five.

Marion Good To Go had a nearly identical winning trip in the Parkers Memorial Trotting Series which got underway Thursday. Corey Braden directed the 4-year-old Conway Hall gelding from fifth at the three quarter mark to a solid 4-1/2 length triumph in 1:56. 3 over eight other foes. Boscoe’s Choice was second.

Colonial Downs is dark Friday. Action resumes with ten race cards both Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m.