Sharky Osborne takes Dover feature; Sears wins five
DOVER, Del. - Sharky Osborne required an overland journey on the way to a 1:52.3 victory in the President’s Day $40,000 Preferred Pace feature over a track rated as “good” at Dover Downs on Monday, Feb. 18. Thin Blue Line and Home Run Hudson post supporting wins. Brian Sears drives five wins.
With meet leading driver Tony Morgan at the controls, Sharky Osborne raced on the outside for more than a half mile before steaming home in: 27.1 to edge front pacing Immortal Quest N at the wire by a head in the week’s top pace. Eddie Davis Jr. got the sharp Immortal Quest away to the front early and cut the fractions until the final steps. Dave Panlone with Brian Sears raced first over and had to settle for third beaten 1-1/4 lengths. The victory, the fourth of the meet, for Sharky Osborne lifted his seasonal earnings to $58,350 for owners Gary Minner and Pete Richardson, and $425,659 lifetime.
In the $37,500 Delaware Special, Thin Blue Line made the winner’s circle for the first time this year as Yannick Gingras took the former Michigan champion to the lead at the start and led the mile in a 1:52.4 victory for owners Paul McDougall and WJ McDougall Racing. Art Director, with Brian Sears, stalked the winner from the start finishing a half-length off at the wire. Wardog Hall, handled by Andy Miller, finished third.
Eric Goodell steered Patchel Family Stable’s Home Run Hudson to a strong 1:51.3 clocking in a $32,000 Open pace. Winbak Speed with Brandon Givens was runner-up. PH Top Dog and Yannick Gingras was the third place finisher. It was one of two wins for meet leading trainer Josh Green.
The front end held up in the $28,000 Jr. Open pace. Yannick Gingras and Still Chugging rolled past Glass Pack and Brian Sears to take the lead after the opening quarter and then played follow-the-leader the rest of the way in a 1:52.2 triumph. Trained by the sport’s leading conditioner the last two seasons and again the 2008 leader Mickey Burke, Still Chugging is owned by Sylvia Burke, Weaver Bruscemi and M1 Stable. The Artsplace gelding had won two straight at the Meadows before arriving at Dover in early February. Golden Mattjesty was scratched.
Carter Racing Stable and trainer Bobby Myers’ Victor Vuitton N won one with Brian Sears. The New Zealand-bred son of Dream Away sat near the front until the stretch before winning a three-horse photo finish. Michael Jacob with Eric Goodell was a nose back in second with Brave Call and Corey Callahan another nose from victory.
In addition to Brian Sears’ five wins, Yannick Gingras, Eric Goodell and Andy Miller had driving doubles.
Monday through Thursday post time is 4:30 p.m. No live racing on Fridays. Saturday and Sunday racing begins at 5:30 p.m. There is no charge for parking or admission. Reservations are suggested for the Winner’s Circle Restaurant 302-674-4600.
– Marv Bachrad, Dover Downs
(edited 19 February 2008 at 21.36. Forgot the by-line. Sorry Marv! -jw)