A $30,000 Preferred pace, a $25,000 Open, a $21,000 Three-and-Four-Year-Old Open, plus a $35,000 claiming pace top an outstanding program at Dover Downs to end the first week of the 2017-2018 meet on Thursday (November 2). First post is 4:30 p.m. (Eastern).
Rich Pollucci’s Christen Me N, one of the most touted of recent New Zealand imports, is fresh from an impressive 1:51.1 victory at Harrington. The $2 million winner will be driven by Tim Tetrick for trainer Jim King. Sunfire Blue Chip, a $1.27 million winner himself, owned by John and Jim Fielding, Brixton Medical, and RAW Equine along with Christina Takter, starts from the outside post six in the select field and will be reined by Yannick Gingras. Soto, who has been hard to beat at Dover, drew the rail for trainer Eric Ell and owners Ken Wood, Bill Dittmar, and Steve Iaquinta with Art Stafford, Jr. in the bike.
The other competitors are Mike Casalino’s Super Imposed N (Pat Berry), Henderson Farm’s Bushwacker (Andy McCarthy), and G.P. Calloway, Reg Hazzard and Legacy Racing’s Sweet Rock (Victor Kirby).
In the $25,000 Open, Mildred Ventriglio’s Kid PK (Tony Morgan). R.J. Thomas’s El Bloombito (Gingras), and Josh Green’s Poisionous (Tetrick) head an eight-horse field.
A $21,000 Three-and-Four-Year-Old Open, a $35,000 claimer, and three winners-over pacing events head the strong supporting card.
Dover Downs now features a 50¢ Pick-5, starting with the 2nd race. A late daily double closes the program in races 12 and 13.
When watching live racing, enjoy fine dining in the Winner's Circle Restaurant. Top North American harness and Thoroughbred racing is featured at the Dover Downs Sports & Race Book open daily from 12:00 noon until 12:00 midnight. There is no charge for general parking or admission.
(Dover Downs)