Dover, DE – Muskateer Hanover traveled down the road to win the $27,500 Blue Hen Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday night (Jan. 1).
It was a late night throw down as four horses raced for early race positioning pacing into the first turn. Muskateer Hanover fought for the early lead and got it forcing Rocknroll Lou, Dale Yeah and Itsrockandroll A to find seats early.
Muskateer Hanover had his ears pinned back and was on a mission. He set fractions of :26.2 to the opening quarter. The half was passed in :54.4, a :28.2 quarter, as the field remained in single file.
Itsrockandroll A, the 4-5 betting favorite, braved the chilly elements and started his grind first over and coverless midway down the back straightaway. Wehadababyetzaboy caught the second over flow and Downers Delight was parked third over. Dale Yeah enjoyed a pocket trip.
Muskateer Hanover raced confidently on the engine after reaching the three quarters in 1:22.4, a :28 flat quarter.
At the top of the lane, pacers from the back of the pack swung wide.
Itsrockandroll A continued to take air first up. Wehadababyetzaboy geared up three wide, Downers Delight four wide and Dale Yeah searched for racing room along the pylons.
Muskateer Hanover held on to win by a neck, pacing his mile in 1:51.3 and paid $13.80 for his efforts. Itsrockandroll A finished a game second and Wehadababyetzaboy was third.
Muskateer Hanover (Sweet Lou) is owned by Mulligan Stables and Calcutta Stables LLC of Georgetown and Rehoboth Beach, DE. Hanover Shoe Farms Inc. were the breeders. Jason Johnson trained and Allan Davis drove.
There is a $1,154 Pick-5 carryover and a Pentafecta carryover worth $2,702 on Monday’s (Jan. 5) racing card.
Bally’s Dover races Monday thru Thursday with a first race post at 4:30 p.m.