Three upsets for Jonathan Roberts

DOVER, Del.— Seawind Ginger, overlooked at 13-1 after a win last start and leaving from the rail with Jonathan Roberts driving, scored a 1:53.3 upset in the Monday, Feb. 16 $14,000 4&5-Year-Old distaff harness racing feature at Dover Downs. Corey Callahan finished with four winners.

With both Velocity Sonja (Allan Davis) and Odds On Alpha (Vic Kirby), bringing three-race win streaks into the contest and drawing wagering support, Roberts used his inside post to best advantage driving the Mach Three – Seawind Gabriella four-year-old, by following Velocity Sonja from the start until the closing stages of a lifetime best 1:53.3 mile. Seawind Ginger, a wire-to-wire winner last week, closed along the passing lane to victory. Velocity Sonja was a safe second. Hit By Lightning (Corey Callahan) edged Odds On Alpha for third-place. Roberts also drove two other up-setters, a 19-1 longshot, Gerald Kelly's Zoe's Fortune to a 19-1 victory in a $15,000 Mares Claiming pace, and 6-1 Mildred's Button for Bill Mears and Janine McIlvane.

Razor sharp Taylor Rei out on a strong stretch finish to win the $14,500 sub-feature for female pacers scoring a career fastest 1:53.3 triumph with Montrell Teague in the bike for trainer Kevin Switzer and owners Jonathan Klee Racing and McCoo Inc. The Cheyenne Rei – Lady Raider mare overtook Star Keeper (Callahan) and front-pacing Jeremes Sweetheart (Kirby) in the closing strides.

Meet leading driver Callahan had four wins, Roberts and Eddie Davis Jr. collected three. Tony Morgan had two wins to bring his career total to 14,967. Trainer Arty Foster Jr. also had a double.

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