by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Roddy’s Bags Again looks for a repeat in the $37,500 Preferred Handicap on the Monday, Feb. 26 program at Dover Downs. A $35,000 Delaware Special and a $27,500 Open head a powerful undercard that also includes three $21,000 Winners Over Paces. Post time is 4:30 p.m.

Last Monday, Roddy’s Bags Again and the sport’s leading driver this year, Tim Tetrick, took the lead after the opening quarter and just held on, besting Scott Enman’s Armbro Baylor by a neck in 1:51. The previous week, Gary Minner and Pete Richardson’s Sharky Osborne pulled an 11-1 upset. Jim Morand is his driver this week.

Keystone Rodeo, with Brad Hanners driving for Fred and Anita Fialkow, was used early trying for the lead last time before tiring and finishing off the board for the first time this year. Beware Beret returns after a week off for Ron Pierce and owners Erika and John Paradee and Mike Zimmerman, and leaves from the rail. The newcomer to the field is Rich Nittoly and Wendy Crissman’s recently acquired West Coast standout California Dream and Tony Morgan.

Poppy Lustre N set a world record 1:50 for an older mare pacer over a five-eighths-mile track in last week’s Mares Open. This week the Tim Tetrick-driven distaff seeks a third straight win by stepping up to the Delaware Special. The defending winner of this event, Kovach Stables’ Art Director, notched a 1:51.1 win last time by beating Bonnie Allen and Brenda Harper’s Prince Of Luck and Ross Wolfenden by three-quarters of a length.

The other contenders are Elmer Fannin’s fast finishing Make A Success with Tony Morgan; Clinton Longshot, owned by Marjorie Richards, with Brandon Givens; Nick Callahan’s Cool Flying Fun, handled by Brian Sears, who has the rail; and The Wiz Kids Stable’s Headmaster and Jim Marohn, Jr.

Nvincibl Artist returns in the $27,500 Open Pace after Ron Pierce drove a 1:50.4 victory last week for owners Fred and Anita Fialkow, turning back the Brandon Givens-driven Coldheartedrevenge, owned by Tom Ceraso and John Giumarra, by a half length.

The strong competitive lineup also includes Erika Paradee’s Black Cat Bone, whose three-race win streak ended last time; The Cheyenne Gang’s sharp closer Cheyenne Hollywood with Brian Sears; Three Point Acres’ Lotsa Guy reined by Tony Morgan; Scott Dillon’s Artchie Andrews, piloted by Brad Hanners, winner of a Winners Over Pace last out; Mildred Ventriglio’s Quick And Deadly with Jim Morand; and Ken Wood’s Ross The Boss N with Roger Plante.

Monday through Thursday live racing begins at 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday post times are 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.