DOVER, Del--- Three Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund (DSBF) Male Paces conclude the first of two weeks of preliminaries. Karen Walls’ Elite Awards, with George Dennis, winner of the $100,000 freshman final last November at Harrington, leads the first $20,000 division, Cavalli Pazzi Stables’ Casino Bags Carlo and Vince Copeland, the second, while Virginia Louthan’s Go Big Spender, with Ron Pierce in the third section.
 

Emeritus Maximus, a high-priced purchase last Winter, brings three wins including his last two straight to the $30,000 Preferred/Handicap on  Thursday, March 20 meeting Nova Artist and Believe This Bob in the feature race at Dover Downs. Post time is 4:30 p.m.
 

Ron Pierce will drive John Cancelliere’s Emeritus Maximus, a career winner of $315,155 for trainer Tom Cancellieri. Two of the other contenders also won their last starts. Mary Ann Larrimore’s Believe This Bob, driven by Montrell Teague, won last week’s $27,500 Delaware Special while Mike Casalino and trainer Dylan Davis’ Lindwood Player piloted by returnee Corey Callahan, an impressive Open winner. Eddie and Kathy Davis’ Nova Artist and Allan Davis finished second last week. JJ&M Stable and Green Racing’s All Stienam, a four-time feature winner earlier in the meet, will be reined by Ross Wolfenden. The competitive Feel Like A Fool with George Dennis driving for Kovach leaves from the rail.
 

There is a top undercard completing the program.
 

Monday through Thursday post time is 4:30 p.m. This week, Friday and Saturday are dark days. Sunday racing begins at 5:30 p.m.
 

Throughout the year, Harness and Thoroughbred Simulcasting opens daily at 12 Noon until 12 Midnight at Dover Downs Race and Sports Book in the Colonnade. There is no charge for parking or admission at Dover Downs.