Following a respite since early September, Ontario Sires Stakes graduate Higher And Higher returns to racing on Sunday at Dover Downs in quest of becoming a $1-million winner before retiring to the breeding shed in the spring.

Higher And Higher will take on the razor sharp Alexachase, who is seeking a fourth consecutive win and third straight $23,000 Mares Open Handicap title on Sunday.

Trainer Daryl Bier and co-owner Charles Dombeck plan to send Higher And Higher to be bred to Somebeachsomewhere this spring. The five-year-old Western Terror mare currently has $944,224 banked in purse earnings and boasts 26 wins on her 71-race record.

With no racing on Monday, Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve, the week’s top distaff pace moves up a day.

Higher And Higher will leave from post five with Bier in the sulky while Alexachase has been ordered outside in the eight-horse field with Bret Brittingham listed as driver. Ultra-consistent Monochromatic, the early 2-1 favourite, gets an inside post three this week for driver Corey Callahan. Second choice Chancey Lady with Tim Tetrick led from the start until deep stretch last week tiring to finish out of the money. Rock N Load, teamed with Roger Plante, has finished second in three of her last four assignments. Freedom Crossing, handled by Ron Pierce, has been a factor in each of her local starts. Eric Carlson will drive Shine N Shimmer from post one while Miss Annie J and driver Pat Berry make their first local start.

This Sunday only, races begin at 5:30 p.m.

Beginning Jan. 5, Saturday and Sunday racing will begin at 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday post time is 4:30 p.m. No live racing on Fridays.

(With files from Dover Downs)