DOVER, Del. — Harness Racing's biggest weekend of the Fall sets the stage for opening day of Dover Downs 48th season on Monday, Oct. 31.
With a number the top juveniles in the sport eligible for November's biggest races, the Matron Series for freshman on Nov. 3 with the three-year-olds meeting the following Thursday, Oct. 10. Later in the month, the top sophomore's tangle in the $300,000 (estimated) Hap Hansen Progress Pace on Nov. 28.
As usual, the Dover Downs stakes could determine a number of the sport's highly competitive trotting and pacing divisional titles.
As an added bonus, the Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund events for two-year-olds are also carded beginning on opening day.
Dover Downs six-month long meet continues through April 13, 2017 with Sunday through Thursday racing in November only. The rest of the meet, beginning in December, it's Monday -Thursday with a 4:30 p.m. post time.
As usual, any of the sport's top horses and drivers compete in the Delaware Capital City raceway's major-league harness racing season.
During the season, Race secretary Rod Newhart, will card a major feature race heads each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of the regular season.
Defending champions, driver Cory Callahan and trainer Dylan Davis, head a usually strong group of prominent horsemen. Callahan has won the last seven Leading Driver titles while Davis seeks his third in a row. Drivers Tim Tetrick, Yannick Gingras and David Miller raced against Callahan, Ross Wolfenden, Tony Morgan, George Dennis and Vic Kirby, Dover regulars.
Dylan Davis faces former champion Josh Green, Doug Lewis, Clyde Francis and Jim King among a talent group of conditioners.
Parking and admission to Dover Downs racing is free. For those choosing to dine in the popular buffet in the trackside Winner's Circle Restaurant where reservations are suggested. Call 302-674-4600.
In addition to fine cuisine in the Winner's Circle Restaurant and at other fine cuisine stops for food and drinks including The Race and Sports Book in the Colonnade.
For those racing a horse at the track and looking for first-class accommodations, the 4-star 500-room Dover Downs Hotel, adjacent to the racetrack. It is suggested to make reservations early.
Year around, Dover Downs' Race and Sports Book presents leading thoroughbred and harness tracks for 12 Noon until 12 Midnight daily as well as three-game NFL parlay wagering. Information is available at 302-674-4600.
Marv Bachrad
