by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Unseasonably mild temperatures led to extra fast miles in the Monday, Jan. 7, features at Dover Downs. Brian Sears drove five winners and Tony Morgan three.

Foto Won photo

Up Front Jerry was a 1:50.2 winner for Brian Sears.

Brian Sears wheeled Up Front Jerry into the lead after the quarter and then played follow the leader on the way to a 1:50.2 triumph in the $35,000 Preferred Pace.

The Western Hanover gelding has been close up in most of his last six races with a win, three seconds and two thirds for owners Sylvia Burke, Weaver Bruscemi and Joe Chiovetta. Fake Denario N, with Eric Goodell driving, finished second. Prince Of Luck and Brandon Givens finished third.

Sears was also in the bike behind Kovach Stables’ Art Director in the $32,500 Delaware Special Invitational and the Artiscape 7-year-old responded with a wire-to-wire, 1:51 score for Sears’ fifth win of the night. Beware Beret and Ron Pierce tagged along second from the start with Thin Blue Line (Ross Wolfenden) picking up third money.

Jack Davis’ Hot Lather pulled out of fourth at the three-quarters and rolled three wide around the final turn for Corey Callahan on the way to a 1:50.4 victory in the $26,000 Open Pace. Home Run Hudson (Eric Goodell) was the runner-up while front pacing Jordan’s Planet (Ron Pierce) held on for third.

Stonebridge Kisses is the one to beat in $26,000 Distaff Open Pace

Stonebridge Kisses seeks her second win of the New Year in the $26,000 Filly and Mare Open Handicap Pace on a distaff loaded Tuesday, Jan. 8, program. First post is 4:30 p.m.

Eric Goodell will drive Martin Scharf’s Stonebridge Kisses after scoring an impressive 1:52.3 triumph last Monday. Nidya A, owned by Paul and by WJ McDougall Racing Inc., was second last time for the fifth straight start. Ken Wood, Henry King, Steve Iaquinta and Bill Dittmar’s Yada Yada Yada A is returning to top form and will be driven by Ross Wolfenden. Bob Messick’s Pacific Philly, with Eddie Davis, Jr., returns from the Meadowlands.

Also making reappearances are Rodney Wyatt’s fast Ireneonthemove with Tony Morgan and Tom Ireland and Ron Killen’s Flirtwithedealer with Art Stafford, Jr. The fast Fritzie Bunnie, Mike Cole driving for Bill and Richard Fritts, cannot be overlooked.

A $21,000 Mares Pace heads the undercard. Though not a handicap event, the program favorites leave from outside posts. Jeff Eckburg’s Bikini Bottom with Eric Goodell has post eight, with I’m All In and Tony Morgan, owned by Tom Vine and Crystal Ball Stables, to her inside.

Other contenders are William Oberle and trainer-driver Bob Kinsey, Jr.’s Sixteen Candles; Lauren Allen’s Play For Real with Ross Wolfenden; and Glen Asher’s Mr Deli’s Filly, a winner last time for Corey Callahan.

Monday through Thursday racing begins at 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday post time is 5:30. Friday is a dark day at the track. There is no charge for parking or admission. Reservations are suggested for the Winner’s Circle Restaurant. Call (302) 674-4600.