The feature Trot at Dover draws top field

Harness racing stakes winning Gural Hanover makes his first Dover Downs appearance meeting seasoned Somebody AS and last week's winner War Cry Hall in the $24,000 Open/Handicap trot on Wednesday, March 16. First post is 4:30 p.m.

Gural Hanover after a 1:54.4 victory at the Meadowlands for Weaver Bruscemi, Burke Racing, Little E and Panhellenic stables, in his last start, will be driven by Andrew McCarthy, is program favorite. Last week, War Cry Hall left from the outside with Tim Tetrick and scored an impressive 1:53 victory, the fastest clocking of the meet. Meanwhile Aci Stuteri AB and Kjell Johannson's Somebody AS, fresh from two recent wire-to-wire victories in this event, will get the services of Vic Kirby in the feature.

Bob Reeser, Denise Dennis, Jay Johannsen and Holly Case's Bluebird Reverence and Montrell Teague, a two-time Open winner, third last week, gets his first inside post in nearly three months. The inside starters are Mike Casalino's Tough Mac going from post 8 to the rail with Nick Callahan in the bike. Alongside is Ted Gewertz's steady Panamanian Hanover with Tony Morgan driving.

The excellent program of top trots also includes nine starters in an $18,500 trot for 4&5-year-olds. Jim Moore's Royal Becca J (Jack Parker Jr.) is at the top of his game and race favorite. JCraparotta&PBerry Racing's Inner Piece (Pat Berry) won impressively in 1:53.1 last time while Celebrity Pegasus (Allan Davis) is a new acquisition for Ken Wood, Bill Dittmar, Steve Iaquinta and Minsink Farms (A.Davis) and leaves from post 9 in the second tier while PL Incoming (McCarthy) leaves from post 8 for Rich Lombardo and JJ&M Stable.

Three starters in the $17,000 sub-feature were impressive winners last time. Rich Pollucci's Masestro Blue Chip (Tetrick) has won his last four in-a-row by open lengths, Frank Chick's Awsome Valley (Morgan) blew away his foes as did Ted Gewertz's Azucar (Kirby), both of whom leave from the outside post positions.

Wednesday at Dover Downs is a top trotting day featuring a full complement of diagonal gaiters on the program.

Dover Downs races four days a week, Mondays through Thursdays beginning at 4:30 p.m. No Live racing on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Watch the races and enjoy dining in the Winners Circle Restaurant's acclaimed Harness Buffet. Call 302-674-4600 for reservations.

Simulcasting of harness and thoroughbred racing is available daily from 12 Noon until 12 Midnight at Dover Downs where there is no charge for parking and admission. 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