Lucan Hanover made it two-in-row in the $30,000 Preferred pace on a balmy Monday, Feb. 29, on the Leap Year edition of Dover Downs harness racing.
Unlike last week when Lucan Hanover enjoyed a 2-hole trip to score a nose victory, this week after overtaking Mustang Art with Sean Bier after a :26 opening quarter, Corey Callahan took over guiding Lucan Hanover, a six-year-old Western Ideal-Lauren Order gelding, the rest of the way in front and then pulling away with a: 27.1 final panel to a decisive 1:49 conquest over some of the sport's top-class pacers now racing. Tony Morgan and Doctor Butch closed along the passing lane to nip Mustang Art for second.
The win was the 20th of his career for the $825,626 lifetime winner.
Blazing Bobby Sox, owned by Art Stafford and trainer-driver Art Stafford Jr., won for the fourth time this year notching a career fastest 1:50.2 triumph in a $15,500 4&5-Year-Old Winners-Over Male pace. Sectionline Rock (Tim Tetrick) closed well to pick up second money. Apollo Seelster (Yannick Gingras) was the show finisher. It was the 12 lifetime win for Blazing Bobby Sox, a The Panderosa-Liamatters five-year-old gelding.
Robert Cooper Stables' Go Collect N was an impressive 1:51.2 winner in another pace for young horses winning the $13,500 event for his third win in five races since arriving from New Zealand. Corey Callahan steered the winner for trainer Dylan Davis. Since arriving in North America, the Gotta Go Collect-No Parking N gelding has in addition to three wins, three seconds in his seven starts. Swappertunity (Jim Morand) finished second for the second straight time. Rednickyachtclub (Allan Davis) was third.
In another $13,500 division Yannick Gingras drove JT to a 1:52.2 score for trainer Ron Burke and owners Weaver Brucsemi and Burke Racing Stable. An altered son of Badlands Hanover-Snowhite Beach, it was his second straight win in five races. Ima Rebel (Morgan) closed swiftly along the passing lane for second. Roll Big (Callahan) was the third finisher.
Local favorite Just A Jolt made it to the winner's circle for the first time in 2016 in his seventh start as Tim Tetrick got the Village Jolt-Just Wait Kate gelding away quickly and never looked back for a 1:50.3 victory to win a $12,500 Mile pace. Four Staces (Callahan) finished second with Papa Ray (Allan Davis) going a tough trip for third.
Meet leading driver Corey Callahan and leading trainer Dylan Davis had three wins each, Tim Tetrick, Art Stafford Jr. and trainer Eric Ell had two wins apiece.
FASHION SHOWDOWN VERSUS SEVEN IN $20,000 MARES OPEN
Fashion Showdown, an impressive 1:51.1 winner in last week’s $20,000 Mares Open Handicap faces seven rivals on Tuesday, March 1 at Dover Downs. Post time is 4:30 p m.
Corey Callahan will drive Chris White’s Fashion Showdown, a winner of three Opens already in 2016. Among her opponents, Jeff Clark’s Springforth, with George Dennis driving, has been right there in recent starts with a win, three seconds and a third in her last six starts. Another competitor in top form is Lou Catana and Vince Bradley’s Matinee Dragon handled by Jonathan Roberts.
Not to be overlooked are Sage N, a two-time winner in her last three races, and Tim Tetrick piloting from the outside for C.V Iannazzo, JFE Enterprises and Triple D Stables, Bob Bailey’s sharp Duneside Chella with Tony Morgan, John McGill’s hard-hitting No Respect, and from the rail, B Stern and Vic Kirby stepping up in class for owners Steve Moss, Hal and Helene Solomon and trainer Leigh Raymer.
A $15,500, a $15,000, a $14,000 and $12,000 distaff paces for 4&5-year-olds, top a strong undercard.
Dover Downs races Monday through Thursday starting at 4:30 p.m. No Live racing on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Watch the races and enjoy dining in the Winners Circle Restaurant. Call 302-674-4600 for reservations.
Simulcasting of harness and thoroughbred racing is available daily from 12 Noon until 12 Midnight at Dover Downs where there is no charge for parking and admission. Reservations are suggested for the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and for those planning to stay at the 4-star Dover Downs Hotel. Call 302-674-4600.
Marv Bachrad