by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Sharky Osborne, last week’s upset winner, heads the $37,500 Preferred Pace while Thin Blue Line and Ross The Boss N are back in the $35,000 Delaware Special and $27,500 Open Pace at Dover Downs on Monday, Feb. 19. Post time is 4:30 p.m.

An outstanding undercard features a $27,500 Open, three $21,000 Winners Over Paces, a $17,500 4- and 5-year-old pace, and a $12,500 male pace. Seven hard-hitting claiming races include two $40,000, a $30,000, two $25,000, a $20,000 and a $17,500 pace.

Sharky Osborne pulled a stunning 11-1 surprise in last Monday’s feature for owners Gary Minner and Pete Richardson, one of Tony Morgan’s four winners on the program. Last season’s Horse of the Meet, Keystone Rodeo, driven by Brad Hanners for owners Fred and Anita Fialkow, led from the start until the final step when he had to settle for second. The race favorite, Roddy’s Bags Again, was never a factor, getting away last with Tim Tetrick after staring from the outside for owner Bob Messick.

The other contenders are Boy Oh Boy Stable’s Dream Rocket with Ross Wolfenden, and White Hot Cards, owned by Steve Iaquinta and Bill Dittmar, who must overcome leaving from the outside with David Miller.

New to the event are Scott Enman’s Armbro Baylor, stepping up after a 1:52.3 win, and Headmaster, making his first local start from the rail for The Wiz Kids Stable and driver Jimmy Marohn, Jr.

Tony Morgan, the 2006 leading driver in the sport, also drove the winner of last week’s $35,000 Delaware Special, Thin Blue Line, owned by Paul McDougall and WJ McDougall, with a lifetime record 1:50.3 mile. Again this week Thin Blue Line drew the rail. Kovach Stable’s Art Director closed strong with Tim Tetrick to finish second with Bonnie Allen and Brenda Harper’s Prince Of Luck, driven by Ross Wolfenden, taking third.

The rest of the Delaware Special lineup have impressive credentials led by Greg Simendinger’s High Calibre N and Steve Warrington, and Four Starzzz Favor, who drew post eight, with David Miller piloting for owners Susan Ehlers and trainer Jason Skinner. Nick Callahan’s Cool Flying Fun and Brian Sears and Elmer Fannin’s Make A Success, with Ron Pierce, both return after a short hiatus. The lone newcomer, in his local debut, is Rodney Mitchell and Green Racing’s Stock Market Wiz and Brad Hanners.

The $27,500 Open Handicap sees most of last week’s contestants returning led by Ken Wood’s Ross The Boss N, who scored with Roger Plante for a 1:51.4 win. The Cheyenne Gang’s Cheyenne Hollywood, steered by Brain Sears, was runner-up while David Miller and Three Point Acres’ Lotsa Guy finished third.

Not to be overlooked are Fred and Anita Fialkow’s Nvincibl Artist and driver Ron Pierce, and Tom Ceraso and John Giumarra’s Coldheartedrevenge from the rail with Brandon Givens. Tony Morgan drives Mildred Venriglio’s Quick And Deadly, while both Terry McClements’ Bettor Watch Him with Tim Tetrick and Forrest Bartlett’s American Fury and Brad Hanners both step up after wins last week.

Monday through Thursday live racing at Dover Downs 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.