Cold and wind could not deter Special Forces from posting a 1:49.3 victory in Thursday’s $30,000 Open/Preferred Handicap Pace at Dover Downs. Two races later Sunshine Superman cut out a 1:51 triumph in the $27,500 Delaware Special, the highlight races on a strong 15-race program on which Corey Callahan bagged six winning drives.
Callahan drove Special Forces into the lead and then fought off strong challenges from Adventure Bound with Ron Pierce and a stretch battle holding Rock On Moe and George Dennis teaming along the passing lane to finish a head back at the wire. The win was one of six successful drives for the sport’s leading reinsman, Callahan.
The sport’s leading trainer Ron Burke conditions Special Forces, a Real Desire-Special Magic six-year-old for William Robinson, Mike Mallett and Country Club Aces. It was his 14th lifetime win in 33 starts and upped his bankroll to $159,871.
Sunshine Superman took full advantage of starting from Post 1 as owner/trainer/driver Toby Lynch took no prisoners on the way to his second win in three 2014 races. Full Of Sand (Callahan) enjoyed a perfect two-hole trip and came at the winner in the lane but could not get past. Papa Ray (Ross Wolfenden) came on to finish third.
The Rocknroll Hanover-Carolina Sunshine gelding notched his 21st career win and moved to $303,913 in earnings with the win.
Callahan, who won both ends of the daily double, won six races for the third time this meet.
(Dover Downs)