Ten-year-old Western Hanover son upsets

DOVER, Del.— Jebswesternshake stepped out of the claimers for a 10-1 upset victory in the $25,000 Delaware Special on Thursday, Feb. 11 at Dover Downs.

After impressive wins at the $15,000 and last week $25,000 claiming level, Jebswesternshake flashed past tiring leaders to post a 1:52.1 upset in the week’s top pace.  George Dennis was content to sit back as Just A Jolt (Vic Kirby), Feel Like A Fool (Ron Pierce) and then Nova Artist (Allan Davis) took turns leading the eight-horse field through its early stages. Dennis then attacked four-wide and zipped past the other combatants in the stretch to secure his fourth consecutive triumph.

Kevin Lare conditions the winner for Frank Chick. The 10-year-old gelding has a strong license to win. Jebswesternshake is sired by Western Hanover from the one-time track record holding mare Shake Away, an early 20th century standout female pacer. Believe This Bob turned in his usual strong finish for Ross Wolfenden to finish second. Nova Artist showed flashes of his 2014 form to hold on for third.

An all-Delaware bred four-year-old Elite Awards, the two-and-three-year-old DSBF champion, took the lead at the start and rolled to a 1:53.3 victory in the first of two  $15,500 4&5-Year-Old Opens. Eddie Davis Jr. was at the controls of the Powerful Toy-Silk Slip pacer for trainer Ed Walls and owner Karen Walls. Regal Mac (Dennis) closed well to finish second with Maddysonofagun (Trace Tetrick) third.

In similar style, Corey Callahan and Howard Taylor’s Delaware Hanover overpowered his $15,500 contestants for a 1:52.2 conquest. Doug Lewis trains the altered son of Dragon Again  – Dashaway Hanover who won for the second time in five outings this year and 18th time in his career. He has earned $248,960 lifetime. Contraband Hanover (Pierce) had a two-hole trip with Shark Fantasy (Jonathan Roberts) the show horse.

Pierce secured his third win of the day piloting Virginia Louthan’s No Spin Zone-David’s Art homebred home in 1:53 to win one of two $14,500 4&5-Year-Old Male pace. Mister Truth (Eddie Davis Jr.) was second for the second straight time. Preparty (Dennis) took third money.

Callahan driving Panic Disorder made it three in-a-row in the other $14,500 section. Trainer Sheila and Steve Daugherty five-year-old gelding by Western Terror-Jate’s Joy won for the third straight time. Shanzhai (Allan Davis) and First Of Itskind (Pierce) were second and third respectively.

Lindwood Player, also driven by Pierce, overcame starting from the outside to notch a 1:52.4 win in a $13,000 Male Winners-Over pace. The Panderosa-Direct Player horse is owned by Mike Casalino and Dylan Davis. Adventure Bound (Art Stafford Jr.) was second with Sunshine Superman (Toby Lynch), next.

Meet leading driver Corey Callahan had another four-bagger. Ron Pierce won three. George Dennis and trainer Dylan Davis won two races each.  

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

Simulcasting of harness and thoroughbred racing is available daily from 12 Noon until 12 Midnight. There is no charge for parking and admission. Reservations are suggested for the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and for those planning to stay at Dover Downs Hotel. Call 302-674-4600.

Marv Bachrad