In the 2016-17 season opener for Dover Downs’ 48th meet Monday, October 31, a $30,000 Preferred-Open Handicap pace, led by Ohio champion Dancing Yankee, a long time Dover regular, and the fast Mel Mara heads the first 15-race card which also includes an $18,000 Open pace and two $15,000 paces.

Ten qualifying races are on the first qualifiers of the meet. The Wednesday (Oct.26) morning non-wagering card begins at 10 a.m.

Among those qualifying are pacers, Table Talk, Jerseylicious, Wakizashi Hanover, Blazing Bobby Sox and trotters Tough Max, Tirade Hanover, War Cry Hall and a number of two-and-three-year-old getting ready for the upcoming Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund (DSBF) stakes.

The remaining first week Dover Downs draw schedule is:

- Wednesday Oct. 26 for Tuesday Nov.1 – Box closes at 12 p.m.
- Thursday Oct. 27 for Wednesday Nov2 – Box closes at 12 p.m.
- Saturday Oct.29, Sunday Oct. 30 – No Draw
- Monday Oct. 31 for Thursday Nov. 3 including Matron two-year-olds – Box closes at 12 p.m.

The regular draw-schedule then becomes:

- Monday for Thursday
- Tuesday for Monday
- Wednesday for Tuesday
- Thursday for Wednesday

The entry box and scratch time is 12 p.m.

(Dover Downs)