DOVER, Del. — A big opening week sparked by four lucrative Matron Stakes for harness racing two-year-olds highlight the start of the 2016-17 season at Dover Downs. The Delaware capital city five-eighths mile track begins its 48th meet on Monday, Oct. 31.
Monday morning from 10 a.m. until 12 Noon sharp, the entry box will open for the four Matron two-year-old trots and paces. Next week, the Matron three-year-olds will race.
The richest of the Matron freshman stakes is the $161,700 estimated colt and gelding pace. The filly pace will have a $145,000 (est.) purse while both trot will go for around $140,000 each.
On the opening 15-race card, is the Monday feature race, a $30,000 Preferred-Open Handicap pace, led by Ohio champion $1-million winner Dancing Yankee, a long time Dover staple, the fast Mel Mara and local favorite Mustang Art lead the first 15-race card of the meet. The program also includes an $18,000 Open pace and two $15,000 paces.
On Tuesday, Australian-invader Nike Franco N and Scandalicious top the $20,000 female pace feature while Theresademoninme, Somebody AS, Il Mago and Maestro Blue Chip tangle in the $20,000 Open Handicap trot.
Also getting underway during opening week is the first of two preliminary 20,000 legs of the Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund (DSBF) for two-year-old trotters and pacers.
Later in November, the $330,000 (est.) Hap Hansen Progress Pace, the track's signature event featuring the top 3-year-old colt pacers.
Note:
The remaining first week Dover Downs draw schedule is:
Monday Oct. 31 for Thursday Nov. 3 including all four Matron 2-year-old paces and trots – Box closes at 12 Noon
The regular draw-schedule then becomes:
Monday for Sunday
Tuesday for Monday
Wednesday for Tuesday
Thursday for Wednesday
Sunday for Thursday
A Reminder: The Dover Downs Entry Box and Scratch Time is 12 Noon-sharp.
The daily post time for Monday through Thursday is 4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday are dark days. Sundays in November, racing begins a 5:30 p.m. Parking and admission are free. Reservations are suggested for the Winner's Circle Restaurant acclaimed Buffet and for the 4-star Dover Downs Hotel. Call 302-674-4600
Marv Bachrad
