Dancin Yankee and Mel Mara, two of the fastest pacers in the sport, headline the opening card of Dover Downs’ 2016-17 season on Monday, Oct. 31 in the $30,000 Preferred Open Handicap Pace. Post time for the 15-race program is 4:30 p.m.

Owned by Rich Lombardo and L&J Racing, the six-year-old Dancin Yankee is a $1.5 million winner fresh from victory at Dayton two weeks ago. Former Dover driving champion Tim Tetrick will be in the bike for trainer Josh Green. The eight-time winner this year takes on lightning-fast Mel Mara, piloted by meet defending champion driver Corey Callahan, seeking an eighth consecutive leading driver title at the track. Robert Cooper Stables and J&T Silva own the Dylan Davis trainee, who already posted a 1:47 victory this year at The Meadowlands.

Among their challengers are Max Walton and Greg Papaleo with Sean Bier, from post one, always a threat when racing at Dover Downs. Janet Hudson and Joanne Looney-King’s Little Ben, handled by Vic Kirby, winner of the recent Harrington Raceway driver championship, has been 1-2-3 in his previous three starts. The sharp Singing Saint, owned and trained by Bob Stevenson, will be driven by Tony Morgan. The newcomer to the field, J.L. Sadowsky’s Te Kawau N, with Pat Berry, a top-class performer at Yonkers, completes the lineup.

An $18,000 Open Handicap, two $15,000 Winners Over paces head the strong undercard.

The week’s top female pace leads Tuesday’s racing. The top trotters head Wednesday’s card while all four rich Matron Stakes for male and female two-year-old trotters and pacers is set for this Thursday, Nov. 3.

Monday through Thursday post time is 4:30 p.m. There is no racing on Friday and Saturday. Sunday racing now 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 4-star Dover Downs Hotel. Call 302-674-4600.

(Dover Downs)