Dover, DE — Steven’s Saloon roared home late to win the $27,500 Blue Hen Open Handicap pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday night (Feb. 12).
Last week, Steven’s Saloon held a brief lead but could not clear when parked out by Downers Delight. This time, it was a different story. Muskateer Hanover and Itsrockandroll A outsprinted the field early, with Muskateer Hanover grabbing the lead through a :26.4 quarter and continuing to lead with little pressure to the :55 half.
Courses were altered when Primo Maschio, who secured a three-hole trip on the first turn, suddenly stopped midway up the backstretch. Wehadababyetzaboy and Dale Yeah were forced to move prematurely up the backstretch but settled back along the pylons. Steven’s Saloon spotted the field eight lengths and rumbled first-over, closing quickly on Muskateer Hanover. Downers Delight grabbed a second-over burst on the rim and 3-2 favorite Itsrockandroll A raced patiently in the pocket. Muskateer Hanover braced for those challenges and continued to lead the field to three-quarters in 1:23.
In deep stretch, Steven’s Saloon and driver Jason Thompson wore down pacesetter Muskateer Hanover to win by a measured length in 1:51.2.
Muskateer Hanover fought gallantly to finish second. Itsrockandroll A charged late from the pocket and finished third.
“I was a little concerned at how far back he was, but he’s tough,” said Joe Hundertpfund Jr., who trains Steven’s Saloon for Richard Ashley and C. Michael Cain. “I was happy with the outcome.”
The son of Always B Miki paid $10.20 to win.
Tim Tetrick led all drivers with four driving wins on the 12-race card.
Bally’s Dover races Monday through Thursday. Post time is 4:30 p.m.