DOVER, Del— Thursday is now top pacing day at Dover Downs. The twin harness racing features are the $30,000 Preferred and the $27,500 Delaware Special. Post time for the 15-race program is 4:30 p.m.
Nike Franco N, a recent purchase by Rich Pollucci, has been unbeaten in her three starts since arriving from New Zealand. She has overwhelmed the top female pacers winning twice from post 8 including a 1:51.4 victory in her last start. Tim Tetrick will drive the six-year-old, the only distaff in the eight horse field. She will take on several fast veteran pacers in the feature including Bamond and J&T Silva Stables' Ideal Cowboy, a 1:51.1 winner last time. Vic Kirby will be at the controls. Sweet Rock is another contestant coming off a victory. Allan Davis will drive for trainer Wayne Givens and owners R.A. Hazzard, G.P. Calloway and Legacy Racing.
Three other starters are winners of more than a million dollars; Rich Lombardo and L&J Racing's veteran Dancin Yankee piloted by Corey Callahan, an 8-time winner this season and in-the-money in 20 of 29 against top company/ Bettor's Edge, driven by Yannick Gingras is owned by Weaver Bruscemi Burke Racing an M1 stables, a winner of three of his last five outings and Vegas Vacation with David Miller and owners Tony Beaton and West Wins Stable. Major Uptrend leaves from the rail for Montrell Teague and owner Howard Taylor while Pat Berry drives JCraparotta & Berry Racing's Vapour N from outside post 8.
In the $27,500 Delaware Special co-feature, red hot Little Ben (Kirby), a winner of his last three top class successes including a 1:50 conquest, leaves from post 8 for owners Janet Hudson and JoAnn Looney-King. Making his first local start is Jenny Bier's Im Supersonic A (Tetrick) after a win at Chester in his previous outing.
The fast Mustang Art (Sean Bier) just missed last week by a neck for owners Max Walton and Greg Papaleo, Remember Me VK (Teague) also was a strong second a week ago. Sicily (Allan Davis) racing for Reg Hazzard and Legacy Racing can not bne ovderflooked. Art and trainer-driver Art Stafford Jr.'s Blazing Bobby Sox, a standout last season, makes only his third start of the meet. The other contenders are Dawn Webb and trainer Bill Bright's Rock N' Roll Jet (Bret Brittigham) from the rail and driver George and Tina Dennis Racing's newcomer Seventh Secret.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday are dark days at Dover Downs. Weekdays – Monday through Thursday – live racing begins at 4:30 p.m.
Watch races and enjoy good food in Dover Downs Winner's Circle Buffet daily. Call 302-674-4600 for reservations.
Harness and Thoroughbred Simulcasting daily 12 Noon until 12 Midnight at Dover Downs Race and Sports Book in the Colonnade. There is no charge for parking or admission at Dover Downs.
Marv Bachrad