Dover, DE — Northern Express rallied from a second over trip and won the $25,000 Open Handicap Trot at Bally’s Dover on Tuesday night (Feb. 14). Northern Express, who had finished second or third in his last seven starts, finally got the job done.
JL Cruze, who was parked the mile last week, was under a full head of steam and forced seats to be taken by Northern Express and Embrace The Grind nearing the quarter pole. JL Cruze was allowed to control the race fractions of :27.2 to the quarter and he was then able to back the half off to :56.3.
Embrace The Grind moved first over from fourth down the backstretch and challenged JL Cruze for the lead. The three- quarters were flashed in 1:25. Northern Express shadowed second over on the rim and Fifty Ways sat in the pocket.
At the top of the stretch the two combatants, JL Cruze and Embrace The Grind began to tire. Northern Express vacated his cover and steamrolled past the field to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:54.1. Muscle Dynasty closed to finish second for trainer Shea Lare. Corey Callahan drove. Fifty Ways held the pocket trip and finished third for trainer Joe Columbo. Ross Wolfenden drove.
Northern Express (Muscle Massive) is owned and trained by Arty Foster Jr. Arty’s son Russell Foster drove. He paid $9.60 for the win.
Tony Morgan drove three winners on the card.
Always B First takes on Shes Pukka N and Divine Deo in the Mares Open Handicap Pace on Wednesday. Post time at Bally’s Dover is 4:30 p.m.