Dover, DE — Downers Delight made every pole a winning one and captured the Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday night (Feb. 5).
Downers Delight was the quickest leaving off wings of the starting gate and showed he meant business. Wehadababyetzaboy and Primo Maschio also left but retreated, finding seats in second and third, respectively, pacing toward the first turn.
Downers Delight was on a mission and proved it by scorching the opening quarter in :27.2. Downers Delight was in total control of the race reaching the half in :56.1.
Steven’s Saloon and driver Jason Thompson advanced first-up past the three-eighths marker. Jack’s Shadow N lined up second-over. Primo Maschio shadowed third-over up the backstretch.
Downers Delight and Steven’s Saloon were at each other’s throats racing as a team passing the three-quarters in 1:23.2. Steven’s Saloon held a brief lead on the outside but not the rail. He was unable to clear the lead when Downers Delight refused to yield. Wehadababyetzaboy was a non-threatening competitor racing from the pocket.
Downers Delight dug in gamely and muscled his way clear to the lead in deep stretch, winning by a neck in 1:51.2.
Steven’s Saloon never gave up but finished second. Itsrockandroll A encountered late pace and finished third.
Downers Delight is owned by TLB Racing LLC, trained by Traci Berry and driven by Pat Berry. He paid $3.20 to win as the odds-on choice.
There is a $1,387 Pick-4 carryover to Monday’s (Feb. 9) races.
Bally’s Dover races Monday through Thursday. First post is 4:30 p.m.