DOVER, Del. —- After a powerful snow storm dropped near 20-inches on the racetrack, racing resumes on Monday, Jan. 25 with a powerful 15-race program highlighted by Bushwacker, a three-time winner at Meadowlands, returning to the $30,000 Preferred while Bad Boy Matt seeks a second-straight $27,500 Delaware Special, the handicap double-feature at Dover Downs. Post time is 4:30 p.m.
After three consecutive Saturday night feature wins at Meadowlands, Henderson Farms' Bushwacker and Tim Tetrick leave from the outside in a five-horse test in the $30,000 Preferred. A race he won twice at the end of 2015. Speed Again with Yannick Gingras in the bike, brings a two-race win streak. Howard Taylor's Major Uptrend, and Corey Callahan, led until deep in the stretch last time before yielding to Speed Again, to finish second.
Another winner last Monday, Adventure Bound brings a record of three wins in his last five starts, including another race in which he finished first but was found guilty of racing inside pylons in the stretch, will be driven by Allan Davis. Another hard-hitting pacer, Rich Pollucci's Dapper Dude, handled by Vic Kirby has an enviable record of two wins, two seconds and two thirds in his last six outings completes the select field.
In the $27,500 co-feature, last week, Reg Hazzard and Legacy Racing's Bad Boy Matt (A.Davis) roared down the lane for a 1:51.1victory on a cold night to edge Rusty Carter and trainer Doug Lewis' Captive Audience (Callahan) at the wire. Meanwhile, Janet Hudson's Just A Jolt (Tetrick), the race favorite, had to settle for fourth.
The rest of the formidable list of seven Del. Special starters includes Max Walton and Greg Papaleo's Mustang Art (Brett Miller), won this event three weeks ago. Don't Ya Know (Ross Wolfenden), racing for Joan Dalphon and Eleanor Laws, Foulk Stable's recent acquisition Sparky Mark (Gingras) and Frank Chick's ageless Jebswestermshake (George Dennis) makes his seasonal debut from post 1. .
As usual, there is a powerful undercard on the 15-race program.
Monday through Thursday racing begins at 4:30 p.m. Sunday post time is 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday are dark days.
At Dover Downs, there is no charge for parking and admission. Harness and thoroughbred simulcasts, daily from 12 Noon until 12 Midnight. Reservations are suggested for the Winner's Circle Restaurant and for those planning to stay at the 4-star Dover Downs Hotel. Call 302-674-4600.
Marv Bachrad
