Dancin Yankee to make his 2016 debut

DOVER, Del. —- Hard-hitting Dancin Yankee makes his 2016 harness racing debut and seasoned campaigner Doctor Butch are newcomers in the $30,000 Preferred/Handicap. Meanwhile, razor sharp Little Ben steps up to compete in the $27,500 Delaware Special on Monday, Feb. 1 at Dover Downs. Post time is 4:30 p.m.

Last week, Rich Polllucci's Dapper Dude closed with a rush to stick his neck up at the wire to edge Howard Taylor's super-sharp Major Uptrend for the 1:51 win. Race favorite Henderson Farms' Bushwacker was in the photo but got third money. Adventure Bound and Allan Davis was also right there, a half-length back. Newcomers Ken Jacobs' Doctor Butch arrives from the Meadowlands while Richard Lombardo and Baron Racing's Dancin Yankee is a local favorite returning after a two month respite.

Max Walton and Greg Papaleo's Mustang Art (Marcus Miller) pulled a stunning 13-1 upset by a neck last Monday in the $27,500 co-feature. Al Carter and trainer Doug Lewis' Captive Audience (Callahan) appeared on the way to victory before having to accept a second for the second straight week. Big Boy Matt (A.Davis), a two-time feature race winner this meet drew the rail for Reg Hazzard and Legacy Racing.

Little Ben (Tetrick), owned by Janet Hudson and JoAnn King, steps up after an impressive victory last week in the Winners-Over class. The rest of the starters in a strong field of seven includes Joan Dalphon and Eleanor Laws' Don't Ya Know (Vic Kirby), a Del. Special regular, Sparky Mark (Jonathan Roberts) makes his third fourth start for Foulk Stable while Frank Chick's veteran Jebswestermshake (George Dennis) at age 11, makes his second start of the year. .

Arty Foster's Sentencing Memo (Russ Foster), the only tree-year-old to race on the card, puts his five-race lifetime win streak on the line in a $13,500 pace for young male horses while Brioni (Tony Morgan) brings a five-race victory record for new owner-trainer Ron Davis in a $15,000-$20,000 claimer, on a powerful undercard.

Monday through Thursday racing begins at 4:30 p.m. Sunday post time is 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday are dark days.

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