Giant double-feature Monday at Dover

Rockeyed Optimist fresh from three straight wins at Meadowlands leads a select field of six in the $36,000 Open Preferred Handicap while Mustang Art, drops back to the $33,000 Delaware Special topping a giant Monday, March 21 harness racing double-feature at Dover Downs. Post time is 4:30 p.m.

Currently Rockeyed Optimist is the hottest horse in the sport fresh from three consecutive front-end wins. Tim Tetrick will drive for trainer Steve Elliott and owners Perretti, Berkner, Battaglia and A&B Stables. Bettor's Edge with Yannick Gingras in the bike, finished second to Rockeyed Optimist last week. Henderson Farm's Bushwacker, Trained by Chris Ryder with Corey Callahan driving, was an early season standout winning five top features and $74,700 in purses this meet.

Rich Pollucci's Dapper Dude had displayed tremendous closing speed with Vic Kirby in the bike, and is represented by two wins, a second and two thirds already in this event. Soto has been and exceptional closer in his last two wins and four winners in his last five starts with Ross Wolfenden steering for owners Ken Wood, Bill Dittmar and Steve Iaquinta. Meanwhile another newcomer, Killer B Stable's hard-hitting Abelard Hanover trained by Brian Callahan with Pat Berry at the controls drew the rail.

In the $33,000 Del. Special, Mustang Art (Sen Bier), who racked up consecutive wins a month ago in this event, has strong early speed and should be the one to catch. Little Ben (Tetrick) a strong finisher, is back in top form for trainer Jim King and owners Janet Hudson and JoAnn Looney-King. Razor-sharp Blazing Bobby Sox has emerged as one of the meet's top pacers, driver and co-owned by trainer-driver Art Stafford Jr. will be heard from.

There is plenty of quality opposition headed by Reg Hazzard and Legacy Racing's Papa Ray (Allan Davis) from the rail, Foulk Stable's veteran Sparky Mark (Jonathan Roberts), Captive Audience (C.Callahan) owner by Doug Lewis and Al Carter, must overcome outside post 7 while the fast Delaware-bred Remember Me VK (George Dennis) makes his first start of the year. He is best remembered for finishing second to Wiggle It Jiggleit, in a Hap Hansen Progress Pace elim in October.

There is a highly competitive undercard featuring an $18,500, a $17,000, a $16,000, two $14,500 and a $20,000 Claiming pace.

Monday through Thursday racing begins at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday are dark days.

Enjoy racing and tasty food at the same time while at Dover Downs. It happens in the Winner's Circle Restaurant Harness Buffet where Madre d' Lorraine will escort you to your table.

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