Jebswesternshake seeking sixth straight

DOVER, Del — At the beginning of 2015, Jebswesternshake was a seldom thought of $15,000 claiming pacer, but for the last two weeks, the 10-year-old has added a number of new fans by winning two $26,000 Delaware Specials and now looks for another, Thursday, Feb 26 at Dover Downs. Post time is 4:30 p.m.

After three consecutive wins in the claiming ranks, Jebswesternshake stepped up the Del. Special level and make believers first by a strong closing effort and last week scoring a powerful front-pacing win. He again starts from post 8 with George Dennis driving for owner Frank Chick, seeking his sixth consecutive win. His opposition is headed by Janet Hudson's Just A Jolt, reined by Vic Kirby, who has been well-backed by the wagering public. Reg Hazzard and Legacy Racing's Papa Ray will be a major contender from post 1 with Eddie Davis Jr. driving.

Other contenders are Breakaway Racing's Movie Idol and Corey Callahan has been super impressive while winning his last three starts and moves up in company, Eddie and Kathy Davis' Nova Artist, the Horse of the Meet the last two seasons, has been up-and-down this meet with driver Allan Davis in the bike. The Toby Lynch owned, trained and driven Sunshine Superman was unlucky last time out being parked out, but starting from post 3 should be a good spot. Doug Lewis' Mojo Terror and Ron Pierce cannot be overlooked, after racing at Yonkers and the Meadowlands the last two months. Another starter advancing in class with an impressive record is Full Of Sand, Jonathan Roberts driving for successful Brit Evans and Foulk Stable.

On the strong undercard, Max Walton and Greg Papaleo's sharp Mustang Art and Mary Ann Larrimore's Believe This Bob (Tetrick) drop down from the Del. Special to $18,000 Open/Handicap division. Mike Casalino and Dylan Davis' Lindwood Player (Alan Davis) has won two of his last three. Adventure Bound (Art Stafford Jr.) has three second-place finishes in-a-row. There is power inside with Brian Vest's Complete Desire (Dennis) leaving from the rail and $1-million winner Razzle Dazzle (Callahan) making only his second start since 2013.

Tough Mac registered his sixth win

Tough Mac registered his sixth win of the Dover Downs meet scoring a 1:53.3 triumph in the $18,000 Open/Handicap trot on a chilly Wednesday, Feb. 25.

Tough Mac held off a determined bid from Tirade Hanover (Vic Kirby) in the stretch to give driver, Corey Callahan and trainer Dylan Davis a double. The six-year-old altered son of Lockkeeper-Traditional Lady won for the second straight Wednesday, after suffering his only non-win of 2015, a second-place finish early in the month, losing to Tirade Hanover by a neck. Wind Of The North (Daryl Bier), sixth on the last turn closed with a rush to finish third in his first start of the meet.

Tough Mac, owned by Mike Casalino, has now banked $43,000 this meet. His lifetime record shows 15 wins and $169,944 in earnings.

On the trot-filled card, Kirby notched his fourth win on the program guiding Stirling Charisma past Deacons Valley (Callahan) in the closing strides for a 1:55.1 success in one of the $14,000 4&5-Year-Old Winners-Over trots. Russ Foster trains and Eric Foster owns Stirling Charisma, a four-year-old daughter of Majestic Son-Magic Charm, the only female in the race.

Rosemary Smutz's Man Of Muscle scooted along the passing lane to upend Jailhouse King (Ron Pierce) in 1:56 to win another $14,000 section. The victory was the third in-a-row for the Muscles Mass-Jim's Girl gelding. Hey Pancho (Trace Tetrick) finished third.

Trace Tetrick and Powerful Charger overtook Enrico AS (Allan Davis) to take the lead and then led the way to a 1:55.1 win in a $13,000 Winners-Over trot. Trainer Jim King and Tim Tetrick own the Powerful Emotion-Fox Valley Poetry gelding who now has won two straight. Spunky Jack (Roger Plante) was the show horse.

Kirby led the winner's parade with four trips to the winner's circle. Callahan, Davis, trainer Jim King and owner-trainer Leigh Raymer had two wins apiece.

Jebswesternshake seeks a sixth straight win heading the $25,000 Delaware Special Thursday feature race.

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