by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — St Lads Kingpin made it three straight wins as Brandon Givens piloted a 1:54 victory in the $14,000 4- and 5-year-old male pace feature at Dover Downs on Thursday, January 24.

Fotowon photo

St Lads Kingpin was a 1:54 winner for Brandon Givens.

Since being acquired by Gary Green and Constance Moore in late fall, St Lads Kingpin, a Million Dollar Cam gelding, has been near perfect in his step up the ladder of racing conditions.

Trained by the track’s leading conditioner Josh Green, St Lads Kingpin has now banked $24,250 for his new owners. Stacy’s Character (Bryan Truitt) closed strongly to finish second in front of Pilgrims Burner (Tony Morgan).

Renegade Dream, reined by Kevin Sizer, moved to battle Game Speed for the lead heading to the half mile in a $13,700 Delaware trot. After battling for a short distance the CR Renegade gelding took over and was never troubled en route to a 1:56.4 triumph. Maid To Command (Bob Shahan) shaded Chocolate Tiara (George Dennis) for second.

$15,000 Pace on Saturday, $16,500 Pace on Sunday head Dover weekend programs

A $15,000 Delaware pace for young distaffs tops the Saturday, Jan. 26, card at Dover Downs while on Sunday a $16,500 4- and 5-year-old pace tops a strong program. Post time each day is at 5:30 p.m.

On Saturday, two 4-year-olds and one 5-year-old bring a win last time into the $15,000 Delaware 4- and 5-year-old Mares pace. Occasionally Bad with Mike Cole drew the rail for Allan Pullman and Barry Glickstein; Jim Morand drives owner-trainer Brian Richards’ What A Beauty; and J&E Stable’s Art Sizzles will compete with Eddie Davis, Jr.

Jeff Bartels’ OC Orange Crush has been sharp with Tony Morgan lately, while Corey Callahan drives Russ and Elaine MacKinnon’s River Princess in the eight-horse field.

The Sunday headliner is led by Bob and Rhonda Smith’s sharp former claim Hicktown (Tim Tetrick). Big League Yankee (Tony Morgan), owned by the Kellers and the Biddles, won last in 1:55.1 over an “off track.” Two others were second in their latest starts — Chris Choros and Crissman Inc.’s Giddy UP N Giggle and Life’s Z Tam (Jonathan Roberts). owned by Tom Ceraso and Foulk Stables.

Weekend racing post times are at 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday racing starts at 4:30 p.m. No racing on Fridays. There is no charge for admission or parking. Reservations are suggested for the Winner’s Circle Restaurant. Call (302) 674-4600.