Best wishes and our prayers are with harness racing Hall of Famer Sam McKee, for a speedy and healthy return to the Meadowlands. A well-known and popular race-caller, McKee was struck by a massive Stroke on Thursday (2/2/17) and rushed to the hospital. Following surgery, he was reported in critical condition, as he began his recovery.

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Two giant payoffs, one on Monday, the other on Thursday, highlighted the week.

On Monday (1/30/17), John MacKinnon stormed from last to first at 98-1 odds. Then into February, four days later,Thursday (2/2/17). There was a $98.80 payoff when 48-1 shot Rock Me Henry, driven by Russell Foster, winner of the recent DSOA Horizon Award, who closed along the passing lane to beat Officer Blue Chip (Jason Lynch). The upset ended Officer Blue Chip's five-race win streak.

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Last Saturday (1/ 29/17) George Teague accepted the Older Pacer of the Year Award presented to Wiggle It Jiggleit who won the major honor at Canada's 28th Black Tie event, its' 2016 O'Brien Awards-Dinner in Mississauga, Ont., who theme was the 250th Anniversary of Horse Racing in Canada."

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Later this month, on Sunday, Feb. 26, the annual highlight event of the Winter Awards- Banquet season is set for Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas, Nevada with the U.S. Harness Writers Association (USHWA) Night of Champions which honors the 2016 Dan Patch Awards winners. For the roster of winners, ticket and lodging information, check this website: www.ushwa.org .

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Houston, Del. horseman, George Teague will receive several honors in Las Vegas. Harness Horsemen International (HHI) honors Teague with its major award, "The Dominic Frinzi Person of the Year."Teague will be honored for his support of the sport by graciously allowing the public to meet and greet his great pacer, 2015 Horse of the Year, Wiggle It Jiggleit. On many occasions during 2016, Teague always goes all out to help promote harness racing at major events. The U.S.Harness Writers Association (USHWA) will also honor Teague with two awards. He becomes the first person honored for a second time as its "Good Guy" award winner. More important, Team Teague gets the sport's second highest honor, The Stan Bergstein Proximity Award, for service to the sport. For ticket and hotel arrangements consult: www.ushwa.org

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The DSOA will conduct its 2nd Annual Stallion Service auction beginning Fe. 21. There are 15 stallions to choose from, 12 pacers and three trotters. For complete details call the DSOA office. The numbers are 302-678-3058 or 888/227/0658.

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There is a change at the top of the Leading Drivers statistics. Defending champion Corey Callahan has caught and now leads Vic Kirby, who had led the leading driver standings from opening day, Callahan with three wins on Thursday, now has a 96-93 win lead over Kirby Yannick Gingras is third with 84 wins Tony Morgan is fourth place with 66 wins. Ross Wolfenden has moved ahead of vacationing Tim Tetrick with 55 winners.

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Jim King has a 11-win lead in the leading trainer stats, with 49 wins. Defending champ Dylan Davis has moved up to second with 38 wins, Joe Hundertpund has 29 for third place. Leigh Raymer is fourth with 27 and Josh Green, fifth with 24.

GRATIAN HANOVER, SHELLYSBLOCKBUSTER HEAD  MONDAY FEATURES

The sharp Gratian Hanover leads the first of two Monday, Feb. 6 double-feature paces at Dover Downs. Post time is 4:30 p.m.

Jenn Bongiorno’s Gratian Hanover, driven by Tony Morgan, has been 3, 2, 1 in his last three outings and starts from the outside post 7 this time in the first feature. Forrest Bartlett’s Western Young Gun has been racing well for George Dennis. Kovach Stables’ veteran $1.1-million winner Feel Like A Fool reined by Corey Callahan, Denise Dixon’s Ken Kam, already a two-race winner in 2017 with Russ Foster, and the fast People Are Crazy, owned by Robin and Jay Breasure, are leading contenders.

Jenny Bier’s Im Supersonic and Sean Bier finally gets a good post leaving from the rail, and Roddy’s Hot Again racing for driver George&Tina Dennis and Ask W Stables have upset credentials.   

In the second co-feature, Don Reed and trainer George Wagner’s Shellysblockbuster (Kirby) has been a solid performer. Casey At Bat (Davis) is dropping down in class for Sharon White, Denise Davis and Legacy Racing.

Owner, trainer, driver Ross Wolfenden’s veteran In Treatment should be a factor starting from post 1. Heather Malone’s DCs Better Life (Stafford Jr.) also will profit from an inside post. Beaches De Vie, owned by driver George&Tina Dennis drew the outside in the seven horse field. Owner-trainer Bob Stevenson’s Singing Saint (Morgan) has been knocking lately and Brenda Teague’s Totally Kissed (Morand) is dropping way down in class.

Simulcasting of harness and thoroughbred racing and NFL three-game wagering is available daily from 12 Noon until 12 Midnight. There is no charge for parking and admission. Early reservations are suggested for the acclaimed Winner’s Circle Buffet Restaurant and for those planning to stay at the 4-star Dover Downs Hotel. Call 302-674-4600.

Marv Bachrad