by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Self Professed won the $26,000 Open Trot while Mighty Moses and Saint Johns Boy took the $22,000 Jr. Open Trots on Wednesday, Jan. 9, at Dover Downs. The 2008 season’s leading driver, Tony Morgan, won three races to bring his total to 27 this year.

Foto Won photo

Self Professed pulled away at the wire to win the Open Trot.

In the $26,000 Open, Self Professed and Rose Run Flash raced as a team from after the half until deep in the stretch before Tony Morgan urged Self Professed in front at the wire in 1:55.4 in the featured trot of the week. Rose Run Flash raced gamely for Mike Cole to take second. Veteran White Hollow Bob with George Dennis was the show finisher.

The victory marked the second straight day a Martin Scharf-owned and Josh Green-trained horse won the Open feature at the track. On Tuesday, Stonebridge Kisses was the winner of the $26,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace.

Mighty Moses rolled three wide at the top of the stretch, then out-kicked his seven rivals to breeze to a 1:55.4 victory in the first of two $22,000 Jr. Open Trots. It was the first of three wins for driver Jim Morand and the 29th lifetime decision for the 8-year-old gelding now owned by Ken and Betsy Wood, Bill Dittmar and Steve Iaquinta. Spunky Vic with Tony Morgan took place honors with Go Nano Go and Eddie Davis, Jr. third.

M&M Harness Racing’s fast finishing Saint Johns Boy made it all the way in the other $22,000 division when Ross Wolfenden steered the Lindy Lane gelding home in 1:55.3. Sugar Valley Alley made a big move on the final turn for Carlo Poliseno to take an abbreviated lead but had to settle for second. Jake’s Nordic and Tim Curtin started from post eight and were tortured going for the lead before getting it on the clubhouse turn. After leading until the stretch, the veteran gelding held on for third.

$25,000 claimer heads Thursday card

A $25,000 claiming pace is the top event on Thursday, Jan. 10, at Dover Downs. First post is 4:30 p.m.

Mildred Ventriglio’s Adsdean N makes a major drop in price in the $25,000 claimer with Tony Morgan driving from post nine in the second tier. Albert Hanna’s Fox Valley Assault leaves from the rail with Corey Callahan, with Doug Dunbar’s Gascon Hanover and Brandon Givens is alongside.

There are a pair of Artsplace geldings that must not be ignored. Arty Foster’s Art’s Son, a winner of two of his last three starts, and Art’s Sake, owned and driven by Arty Foster, Jr.

Katja Schreyvogel’s Kyrios N with driver Eddie Davis, Jr. is no stranger to the track’s winner’s circle. Jeff Bartels’ Tristate Hanover has the services of Jonathan Roberts, while Jim Morand drives Little Rock Spur for Todd Wise and LeBlanc Stable. GE’s Gilmour will be driven by Vic Kirby for Gene and Gary Ewing.

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.