DOVER, Del— The final week of the Dover Downs 2017-2018 season begins with a harness racing twin-feature on Monday, (March 26). Post time is 4:30 p.m.
Nine lineup for the $13,000 feature trot led by a pair winners last time out, Very Dark and Broadway Joe. Ross Wolfenden drove Frank Chick's Very Dark to a wire-to-wire victory from post 7. This time, the four-year-old mare, who has been 1-2-3 in four of five starts, leaves from post 1.Broadway Joe, trained and driven by Rick Murphy, who owns the four-year-old with his wife Benalee, made good use of a 2-hole trip. Dan Esh's Hannah's Charm and Tim Tetrick have finished second in four of her last five outings.
My Big Kadillac is another who has been close in each of his 10 previous race finishing in the money seven times with trainer-driver Vince Copeland. Ifya Start Me Up and driver Allan Davis overcame starting from outside post 8vwnile Iron Mine Branch's Muscle Villa with Tony Morgan trades posts from 8 to 2. Other contenders are Mr. Jubilant handled by Art Stafford Jr. owned by Bob Wyatt, Robin West and Ron Benton; lean-N-Green Stable's Nice Stuff with Wayne Long and Arty Fonster's Affair Of Honor piloted by Russell Foster from post 9 in the second tier.
Dylan Davis' Cashendash Hanover (Tetrick) and Rolling Ring Afire (Wolfenden) seek to extend their win streak in the $15,000-$17,500 Claiming Handicap. Three others race for a new owner, all claimed last time. Bob Cacamesa's Mister Virgin (Corey Callahan, Joe Wehausen's Law's Maverick (Tony Morgan) and Don Fowler's Ballinrobe (Vic Kirby). Pam Dontone's Wet Shark (Sean Bier) and Tim Mumford's False Respond (At Stafford Jr.).
The Dover Downs 2017-2018 meet ends this Thursday (3/29). In addition to a strong race program, after two weeks of preliminaries, the top eight point-getters in each of the four DSBF sophomore divisions return for $100,000 finals on the season ending card.
Dover Downs offers a 50-cent Pick 5 wager which starts with the 2nd race through the 6th. There is also a late daily double on the 13th and 14th races.
Simulcasting of harness and thoroughbred racing is available daily from 12 Noon until 12 Midnight. There is no charge for general parking and admission at Dover Downs. Reservations are suggested for the acclaimed Winner's Circle Buffet Restaurant and those planning a stay at the 4-star Dover Downs Hotel. Call 302-674-4600.
Marv Bachrad