Sevruga, after completing his biggest season in 2012, started the New Year with a 1:53.2 victory in the $23,000 Open Trot on Wednesday, Jan. 9 at Dover Downs.

Driven by Pat Berry, Sevruga rolled out of fourth heading to the clubhouse turn and slowly progressed on the outside to reach race-leading Green Day with Corey Callahan by the three-quarters. He then took over and sped home in :28.1 to hold off Sun Of A Victory and Daryl Bier closing along the passing lane. Green Day held on for third.

Julie Miller conditions Sevruga for KDM Stables. The victory pushes the SJs Caviar-Stunning Lindsey gelding’s lifetime bankroll to more than $400,000.

Corey Callahan took 7-1 Mandabra right to the front and never looked by in a 1:53.3 mile. Can Do (Vic Kirby) closed strongly to finish second, ending a two-race win streak. Major Herbie (Ron Pierce), the race favourite, was the show horse. The win was the first of the meet for Mandabra, a Kadabra-Beautiful Mind gelding owned by C.A. Bonnuccelli, Shaun and trainer Nick Callahan, who is closing in on the $200,000 earnings mark.

Allmar Surprise also made her first visit to the winner’s circle this season with Vic Kirby driving to win a $13,500 trot. Chris Giaccio owns the Angus Hall-Benita Victory mare, who won for the 41st time in her career. She is approaching the half-million earnings mark. Amen Amen (Ron Pierce) and Yanks (Allan Davis) were second and third respectively.

(With files from Dover Downs)