Twin features at Dover on Monday

DOVER, Del. — The 2017 portion of Dover Downs six-month long harness racing meet begins with Ideal Magic, a 1:52 winner last start leads the first of two $8,500 Male paces with local favorite Nova Artist returning in the other division on Monday, Jan.1.

Vic Kirby, who has been in an on-going battle for first place among the track's winningest drivers currently tied with Tim Tetrick with 56 wins, pilots RBH Ventures' Ideal Magic conditioned by Dover Downs' leading trainer Jim King. Owner-trainer Shawn Hanley's homebred Bobby The Greek, driven by Tony Morgan, leads the opposition which also includes In Treatment, owned, trained and driven by Ross Wolfenden and Black Aquila A, with Corey Callahan piloting for Breakaway and Bonuccell Racings.

The fast Skyway Gladiator and lessee-driver Mike Rossi leaves from the rail. The other contenders are Barry Rubenstein Farms' Yo Cheyenne Rocky and driver Jim Morand, Robbins Nest Farm's Gallic Beach handled by Montrell Teague,and Willow Mill Stables' Nathaniel B and trainer-driver Gordon Barrett.

Former track Horse of the Meet Nova Artist (A.Davis) makes his first local appearance this meet in the second section. The $1-million winner meets trainer Bob Stevenson's tough Singing Saint (Russ Foster) and Jen Bongiorno's Gratian Hanover (Callahan). Crissman Inc.'s Fancy Colt (Morgan) notched a 1:51 .1 wire-to-wire last time out. Sean Bier drove his pacer Brody to a strong second-place finish while Ben Stafford's Maximum Terror (A.Stafford Jr.) finished third, all in the same event. Bobby Glassmeyer's Acting Out (Jonathan Roberts) drew the rail with Heather Malone's DCs Better Life (Teague) alongside.

The top female pacers led by Empress Deo, winner of three straight, meet in the $20,000 Mares Open on Tuesday.

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