Dover, DE — Steven’s Saloon regained his winning form and won the $27,500 Blue Hen Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday night (Dec. 4).
Muskateer Hanover and Its Rockandroll A were launched from the wings of the starting gate approaching the first turn. Muskateer Hanover, the 6-5 favorite, cleared the lead in a highly contested :26.2 first-quarter battle. Itsrockandroll A settled into the pocket. Downers Delight pressed the early pace then retreated to the pylons into third passing the quarter pole. Muskateer Hanover continued on the lead at the half in :55.
Steven’s Saloon, who was unable to get untracked in his previous races, ground first-up into the chilly air temperatures approaching the backstretch. Wehadababyetzaboy shadowed second-over and Sweet Angel Boy circled from the back of the pack when Wehadababyetzaboy tired. Itsrockandroll A remained patient in the pocket. Muskateer Hanover and Steven’s Saloon raced shoulder to shoulder and neither gave way as they blitzed the three-quarters in 1:22.4.
At the top of the stretch, Steven’s Saloon bullied his way to the lead and won by a neck, pacing the mile in 1:51.1. Pocket sitter Itsrockandroll A finished second and Downers Delight sat the pylons to finish third.
Steven’s Saloon (Always B Miki) is owned by Richard Ashley and C. Michael Cain, trained by Hundertpfund Jr., and was driven by Jason Thompson. He paid $19.00 for the victory.
“He’s much better when pacing first-over like he raced at Harrington,” said Hundertpfund.
Bally’s Dover races Monday through Thursday with a first-race post time of 4:30 p.m.