Bushwacker blasted to the top from Post 7 and then fought off a slew of challengers late to score a 1:51.2 victory in Thursday’s $30,000 Preferred Pace at Dover Downs.
Corey Callahan chopped out fractions of :26.2, :54.4 and 1:23.4 with Bushwacker, who then used a :27.3 kicker to win by 1-1/4 lengths over Cajon Lightning in 1:51.2. Dancin Yankee rounded out the top three in the eight-horse affair.
Sent off as the 4-5 favourite for trainer Chris Ryder, Bushwacker won for the third time this season and for the 26th time in his career. The career winner of $580,837 is owned by Henderson Farms of Chicago, IL.
Blazing Bobby Sox was a convincing winner in Thursday’s $27,500 Delaware Special Handicap for trainer/driver Art Stafford, Jr.
Stafford worked out a second-over trip for the pacer, who kicked off cover late and used a :27.3 final frame to win by 2-3/4 lengths over Captive Audience in 1:50.2. Taking home third prize was Mustang Art.
The six-year-old son of The Panderosa-Liamatters is 2-for-4 this season for Stafford and partner Arthur Stafford of Harrington, DE. The 16-time winner has racked up more than $150,000 in career earnings.