by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs
Dover, DE — CoreyCallahan zipped Mike Casalino’s Tough Mac quickly to the front from the outsideand then never-looked-back en route to a 1:53.1 victory in the $20,000 MaresOpen Handicap on Wednesday, March 8 at Dover Downs.
Fotowon photo
Tough Mac went to the front and never-looked-back en route to a 1:53.1 victory in the $20,000 Mares Open at Dover Downs on Wednesday.
Tough Mac has been super-sharp of late, winning for thesecond straight time, making it four wins in his last five outings. TheLockkeeper-Traditional Lady gelding won for the fourth time this year. ToughMac registered his 29th lifetime victory bringing his bankroll to$359,399. Frost Free Hanover, his major competition for the meet’s top trotter,closed strongly to finish second with Vic Kirby in the bike while 2012 Hambletonianwinner Market Square and Tim Tetrick came on in the lane to take third money.
Celebrity Pegasus got back on the winning trail breezing toa 1:55.1 triumph in the $15,000 4- and 5-year-old Winners-Over trot withArt Stafford Jr. guiding the victory. Last heading to the half-mile, CelebrityPegasus pulled out and cover from 75-1 shot Lucky Ten K (Ross Wolfenden) untilthe final turn then rolled past the early leader Uncle Mack (YannickGingras) on the way to his third win of 2017 and 15th lifetime.United Bi (George Dennis) closed well to take second in front of Lucky Ten K(Ross Wolfenden). Eric Ell conditions the Andover Hall-Celebrity Athena 5-year-oldfor Ken Wood, Bill Dittmar, Steve Iaquinta and Minisink Farms.
Last year at this time, Jingle Bell Rocker was atough-to-beat campaigner on a long six-race win streak. It has taken theRocknroll Hanover-Blissard Of Oz gelding until his seventh start to make thewinner’s circle this year, winning a $7,500 claimer in 1:54.3. Ross Wolfendendrove the winner for trainer Les Givens and owner Tina Clark, his 33rdcareer triumph.
Ross Wolfenden led with three driving wins; Corey Callahan,Vic Kirby and Tim Tetrick had a pair of wins each.
Streaking Emeritus Maximus and Blazing Bobby Sox lead the $27,500Delaware Special feature race with a $20,000 Open topping a strong Thursdaysupporting card.