Checking the first three draws of Dover Downs' 2017-2018 season, there are full fields, top horses and drivers on the opening programs.
On the meet’s first day, Monday, Oct. 30, eight horses will be behind the starting gate in the $14,000 feature trot with ABC Again and driver Ross Wolfenden getting the favourite’s role leaving from the rail. On Tuesday, a hard-hitting group of diagonal-gaiters line up in the $25,000 Open Trot. Wind Of The North (Tim Tetrick) and Celebrity Pegasus (Art Stafford Jr.) renew their heated rivalry while Murmur Hanover (Vic Kirby) brings a record of five wins in his last six outings into the wide-open fray.
Wednesday is top distaff day. Jag Out (Tetrick), Purrfect Bags (Kirby), Miss Me Yet (Montrell Teague) are among the participants in a seven-horse $25,000 Filly and Mares Open Pace. Horses for the $30,000 Preferred Pace will be drawn on Monday from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. entry time.
Corey Callahan will lead an all-star collection of drivers this meet seeking his eighth consecutive leading driver championship. Dylan Davis also is streaking among trainers. He has won the last four in-a-row conditioner titles.
November is a Novemberfest of major events at Dover Downs. On November 9, the Matron Series will showcase top two-year-olds. There will be events for both trotting and pacing colts and fillies on the second Thursday in November card. The three-year-olds take the spotlight on the following Thursday, Nov. 16.
The First State’s finest freshman of both gaits and sexes will also be in the spotlight in the Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund (DSBF) stakes starting on Monday, Nov. 13 when two-year-old colts will be in focus going to post in the first of two $20,000 preliminaries.
The track's signature event is the $350,000 (est.) Hap Hansen Progress Pace. Elimes for $30,000 are set for Wednesday, Nov. 22 with the top eight point-getters returning on Thursday, Oct. 30 for the rich final. That same day, all four DSBF $100,000 finals will be on the same super card.
Monday through Thursday post time is 4:30 p.m. There is no charge for admission or general parking.
Dover Downs Race and Sports Book features daily racing from major harness and thoroughbred tracks and on three-team parlays on NFL games from 12 Noon until 12 Midnight. There is no charge for parking or admission at Dover Downs. Reservations are suggested for the Winner’s Circle Restaurant, call 302-764-4600.
(With files from Dover Downs)