DOVER, Del.— Movie Idol stepped up in class to win the $25,000 Delaware Special, his fourth straight harness racing victory, on Thursday, Feb. 26. Meet leading driver Corey Callahan notched four wins.
With Nova Artist (Allan Davis), Just A Jolt (Vic Kirby) and Jebswestershake (George Dennis) battling on the front end, Callahan pulled Movie Idol to the outside four-wide and rolled on for a lifetime best 1:50 victory in the week's top pacing event. Owned by Breakaway Racing, the I Am A Fool – Movie Star Legs seven-year-old won for the 12th time in his career banking $271,360. Just A Jolt finished second for the second straight time and fifth time this meet in the top class. Jebswesternshake did not win ending a five-straight winning streak. Sunshine Superman was scratched.
Delaware Hanover made it three wins in-a-row as Corey Callahan drove the Dragon Again -Dashaway Hanover gelding to record a 1:51.1 score, his third straight victory and fourth in his last five, for owner Howard Taylor and trainer Doug Lewis. Bandolito (Daryl Bier) was second best. Don't Ya Know (Davis) finished third.
Ron Pierce and Mustang Art collaborated on a 1:50.4 success in an $18,000 Open Handicap. Lindwood Player (Allan Davis) was a tough second, leading for a few steps nearing the finish line, but the class Mustang Art came back at the wire for the win. The Artiscape-Paula Seelster gelding is owned by Max Walton and Greg Papaleo. It was his second win of 2015, and 36th in his career while earning $569.992 in his career .Adventure Bound (Art Stafford Jr.) picked up third money.
The sharp Four Staces gave Corey Callahan his fifth win and the four-year-old's fifth win of the meet, with a 1:51.2 triumph equaling his lifetime best. Co-owner Dylan Davis conditions the Rocknroll Hanover-Miss Stacee gelding for Mike Casalino. Scalped (Montrell Teague) was next in front of Workandplayhard (Eddie Davis Jr.)
Sweet Rock carried Allan Davis to his second consecutive winner's circle visit scoring a 1:51.2 triumph in a $15,500 4&5-Year-Old Open pace. Fire In The Belly (Kirby) was runner-up with Jeremes General (Ron Pierce) the third horse. Reg Hazzrd, G.P. Calloway and Legacy Racing own the Rocknroll Hanover-Penny For Nickel gelding who won for the second time in five races. Fire In The Belly (KIrby) and Jeremes General (Ron Pierce) were second and third respectively.
Jet Blue Miracle was the long shot of the night. Sean Bier drove R.J.Thomas' Jereme's Jet-Blue Spock gelding to a new record of 1:51.4 to win a $14,500 4&5-Year-Old Male Winners-Over pace.
Eddie Davis Jr. got Bill Fisher's Wheelaway home in 1:53.3 to win another $14,000 pace for young male horses. So Much To Say (Dennis) was second best. MG Kid (Jonathan Roberts) was third. Wheelaway is a Village Jove-Winbak Honey gelding now three for five this year.
In another $14,000 division Montrell Teague guided Preparty, an altered son of Somebeachsomewhere – Speed Date, to a 1:52.1 victory, his second of the year for trainer Kevin Lare and owner Frank Chick. One Stop Deal (Calllahan) was next with Mister Truth (Tony Morgan) getting third money.
Callahan with five win, now has won 213 races this meet.
Monday through Thursday racing starts at 4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday are "dark" days. Sunday post time is 5:30 p.m.
Simulcasting of harness and thoroughbred racing is available daily from 12 Noon until 12 Midnight. There is no charge for parking and admission. Reservations are suggested for the Winner's Circle Restaurant and for those planning to stay at Dover Downs Hotel. Call 302-674-4600.
Marv Bachrad