by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Self Professed won the $26,000 Open Trot for the second straight week on Wednesday, Jan. 16, at Dover Downs. The sport’s leading driver, Tony Morgan, added four wins to bring his 2008 total to 43.

Fotowon photo

Self Professed was a 1:55.4 winner for Tony Morgan, part of his four-win day at Dover.

Leaving from post one, Tony Morgan directed Self Professed to the lead and then battled side-by-side with Mighty Moses and Jim Morand from the half until deep in the stretch before they pulled away for a 1:55.4 triumph. Martin Scharf owns the winner, trained by Josh Green. The victory was the third in the last five starts for the 6-year-old gelding. Elvis Cole, driven by Corey Callahan, was third.

Jake’s Nordic took the lead at the start and driver Tim Curtin steered a wire-to-wire, 1:57 win to take the $22,000 Jr. Open Trot. Rattlesnake Jake, with George Dennis, rallied along the rail to no avail and finished second. Spunky Vic with Tony Morgan was third. The win was the 57th for the 9-year-old owned by Dan and Tom Courtemanche and upped his career bankroll to $692,558.

$13,200 Delaware Trot tops Thursday card

A $13,200 Delaware Trot is the top race on Thursday, Jan. 17, at Dover Downs. First post is 4:30 p.m.

Joyce and Eileen Lineweaver’s RT Phoebes Giant and driver Wayne Long, fresh from a 33-1 victory last week, takes on seven opponents in the top trot of the day.

Steve and Peter Marsh’s Sir Pete with Jim Morand; Nick Callahan’s Game Speed reined by Corey Callahan; and Wende Columbo’s CC’s Glide-On-By and Joe Columbo all come into this race with third place finishes in their previous starts.

Art Brewer’s Renegade Cream and Kevin Sizer leave from the rail with Tug River Man, the youngest in the lineup at 4, to be driven by Ross Wolfenden. Max Walton’s veteran Bullville Sue, reined by Tim Curtin, and Diana Harrison’s Maid To Command with Bob Shahan in the bike are the other contestants.

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.