Lockkeeper gelding back on track in trot

DOVER, Del.—, Tough Mac made up for a neck loss last week to win his fifth feature feature trot this meet and Razor Ramone won his fifth straight on Wednesday, Feb. 10 at Dover Downs. Two other win streaks came to an end during the 15-race card.

Corey Callahan and Tough Mac quick stepped away from the starting gate and then kept his seven rivals at bay on the way to a 1:54 victory in the week's top trot, the $18,000 Open/Handicap. Tirade Hanover , driven by Vic Kirby, made him work hard battling alongside the winner for much of the last half but could fare no better than second. I'm So Striking with Eddie Dennis closed well to finish third.

The victory boosted Tough Mac's seasonal earnings to $35,000. Dylan Davis conditions the Lockkeeper – Traditional Lady black gelding for owner Mike Casalino. The eight-year-old won for the 14th time in his career with a $160,944 lifetime bankroll.

One race later, Razor Ramone and Ron Pierce continued their winning ways notching their fifth consecutive triumph in a $14,000 4&5-Year-Old Winners-Over trot. Trained by Eric Ell for Steve Iaquinta and Dittmar, Razor Ramone cut out a 1:56 success holding off fast finishing Derby (Allan Davis) by a neck with Deacons Valley (Callahan) coming on for third. Razor Ramone, a four-year-old by Kadabra – Oaklea Rae, is a perfect four-for-four in 2015. He has eight career wins and $85,129 earnings lifetime. Derby (Allan Davis) captured second-place honors with Deacons Valley (Roger Plante) third.

Eric Ell lifted his UTRS "batting average" to around .450 this season with his third training win of the meet, Enrico AS, who fashioned a near-wire-to-wire victory in an $8,500 Non-Winners trot. The win was the third for owners Dittmar, Iaquinta and second for partner Ken Wood, the same ownership of Go Go Red Marty, a 1:54.3 winner of a $15,000 Claiming trot.

Trish Foulk – trained Prayer Session registered his third win of the meet scoring a 1:54.4 front-end performance in a $12,000 Conditioned trot with Corey Callahan at the controls for Brit Evan and Foulk Stables. Power Charger (Trace Tetrick) came on for second. I Like My Boss (Jonathan Roberts) was the show horse.

Payson Racing's Joyeux Dream (Ron Pierce) from post 8, won for the fifth consecutive time in a 1:55.1 victory in a $15,000-$20,000 Claiming Handicap trot while several streaks came to an end including Ringside Muscle (Jonathan Roberts, finishing third. When Payson Racing's JS McFlash, with Pierce driving, won his third in succession, the meet's longest win streak ended after seven straight for Jingle Bell Rocker. Other streaks that came to an end included Hey Pancho, who had won four-in-a-row, and two straight by Captain Fairfax, who finished second in another trot.

Owners Dittmar and Iaquinta, drivers Callahan and Pierce, joined trainer Ell with three wins while Wolfenden, Roger Plante, Eddie Davis Jr., Allan Davis and owner Ken Wood had two wins apiece. Trainer Amanda Payson and Payson Racing also won twice.

MUSTANG ART IS FAVORITE IN $25,000 DELAWARE SPECIAL THURSDAY

Four of the eight starters, led by Mustang Art, tangle in the $25,000 Lincoln Day Delaware Special, Thursday, Feb 12 at Dover Downs. Post time is 4:30 p.m.

Ron Pierce put Mustang Art on the lead in last week’s $27,500 Preferred pace and never looked back in a 1:51.3 victory over an ‘off’ track for owners Max Walton and Greg Papaleo. Eddie Davis Jr. and Reg Hazzard and Legacy Racing’s Papa Ray raced outside for most of the mile and was a length back at the wire. Meet leading driver, Corey Callahan will be behind, Joan Dalphon and Elanor Laws’ Don’t Ya Know, who closed smartly to pick up third money last time. 

Razor sharp Believe This Bob with Ross Wolfenden, won the last Del. Special, two weeks ago, for the second time in four weeks. The ultra-consistent Just A Jolt, racing for Janet Hudson, returns following a two-week respite and drew the rail. Kovach Stables’ Feel Like A Fool, and Trace Tetrick, has an advantageous post 2 start. Jebswestershake, with George Dennis piloting, steps up from the claiming ranks, sporting three consecutive wins while Nova Artist, winner of the last two Horse of the Meet honors, took last week off, and is driven by Allan Davis for his parent’s Eddie and Kathy Davis.   

Tom Lazzaro’s Contraband Hanover (Pierce), Tina Clark and Kovach Stable’s Artistic Director (Tetrick) and Howard Taylor’s Delaware Hanover (Callahan) lead one of two $15,500 Open pace sub-feature on the tough undercard.

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