On Wednesday morning (Oct. 26) at Dover Downs, Tip It On Back (Bret Brittingham) edged Wakazashi Hanover (Vic Kirby) and Blazing Bobby Sox (Art Stafford Jr.) by a head in a three-horse 1:54.3 finish in the fastest of 10 qualifying races.
Stakes seasoned Table Talk (Bart Dalious), after breaking stride at the start, recovered quickly to notch a 1:55 decision in the second fastest qualifier while Skyway Gladiator (Mike Rossi) won his section in 1:55.4. Tough Mac (Corey Callahan) romped home in 1:55.4, the fastest trot on the first qualifying day of the meet. Callahan and Dalious won two races on the non-wagering program.
A hard-hitting roster of eight distaffs make up the Tuesday (Nov. 1) $20,000 feature race, the second day of racing next week as Dover Downs opens its 48th season.
Undefeated Nike Franco N, a newcomer to the U.S. after an excellent career Down Under, meets sharp Scandalicious and Sweet Bobbie, both winners last time out, in the $20,000 3&4-Year-Old Open Handicap. A $15,500 and a $15,000 distaff pace top the Tuesday undercard.
The opening week’s next draw is Thursday morning (Oct. 27) for next Wednesday’s (Nov. 2) card featuring the $20,000 Open Trot.
The remaining first week Dover Downs draw schedule is:
Thursday, Oct. 27 for Wednesday, Nov. 2 – Box closes at 12 noon
Friday, Oct. 28, Saturday Oct. 29 – No Draw
Sunday, Oct. 30 for Thursday, Nov. 3 (including four Matron two-year-old events)
The daily entry box opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 12 noon sharp.
Starting on Monday, Oct. 31, the regular draw schedule then becomes:
Monday for Sunday
Tuesday for Monday
Wednesday for Tuesday
Thursday for Wednesday
Sunday for Thursday
The entry box and scratch time is 12 noon.
During November only, Sunday racing starts at 5:30 p.m.
Simulcasting of harness and thoroughbred racing and NFL three-game wagering is available daily from 12 noon until 12 midnight. There is no charge for parking and admission. Early reservations are suggested for the acclaimed Winner’s Circle Buffet Restaurant and for those planning to stay at the four-star Dover Downs Hotel, call 302-674-4600.
(With files from Dover Downs)