Western Hanover son makes believers of doubters

DOVER, Del.— Jebswesternshark, last week's 10-1 up setter, made believers of doubters by not only winning the week's top pace, the $26,000 Delaware Special, but did it from outside post 8 racing without cover to score a 1:52.4 on a windy and raw Thursday, Feb. 19 at Dover Downs. Harness racing driver Corey Callahan continues his strong driving with five winners.

George Dennis drove the 8-1 Western Hanover – Shake Away 10-year-old gelding, trained by Kevin Lare for owner Frank Chick, to his fifth consecutive victory. The streak began at the $15,000 claiming level through a $25,000 tag prior to last week's come-from-behind win. Just A Jolt with Vic Kirby came on in the stretch to finish second in front of Mustang Art and Art Stafford Jr.

Jebswesternshark is now fived for six this year earning $40,350 with his 43rd lifetime win while banking $256,279 in his career.

Delaware Special made it two-in-a-row winning one of two Open/Handicap paces for young horses. Corey Callahan chalked up his fifth of six winning drives taking the Dragon Again-Dashaway Hanover gelding to the top en route to a 1:54.4 triumph in the $15,500 event. Doug Lewis trains the winner for owner Howard Taylor. It was his second win in three starts while accruing second-place finishes in four other starts this meet. Major Bucks (Toby Lynch) was runner-up with Elite Awards (Eddie Davis Jr.) the third horse.

In a $16,000 edition, Invictus Hanover, a Yankee Cruiser – I Sparkle gelding handled by Trace Tetrick, recorded his first win of the year notching a 1:54.4 decision in the second race for 4&5-Year-Olds. Scalped (Montrell Teague) was a close second. Four Staces (Callahan) never saw the rail and still finished third.

Callahan got One Stop Deal up in to win one of two $14,000 4&5-Year-Old Male paces for Kapildeo Singh and Yves Sarrazin. Dylan Davis conditions the Western Ideal – Artstopper gelding who posted his second straight win. Fancy Colt (Tony Morgan) and Fire In The Belly (Kirby) were second and third respectively.

The photo finish camera was necessary to determine the winner of the other $14,000 section. Maximum Terror had his nose on the line from among a blanket four-horse finish in 1:55.4. Owned and trained by Ben Stafford, the gelding was driven by Ben Stafford Jr. to his second win in his last three races. The Western Terror-HTF Cocoa four-year-old bested 40-1 Alexis Style (Russ Foster), second, and Mister Truth (Tony Morgan), third, with Panic Disorder (Callahan) accepting fourth.

Callahan, with five winners, now has won 20 races in the last three days. Allan Davis, George Dennis and Trace Tetrick 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