Dover, DE – Jett Propelled was used twice enroute to her third consecutive win capturing the Distaff Mares Select Handicap pace at Bally’s Dover on Wednesday night (March 4).
It was a case of late-night hard ball as the pacing mares squared off early. Jett Propelled (post 6) and Square Deal (post 8) left quickly from their outside positions. Ballast (post 3) and driver Tim Tetrick sought revenge after being parked out last week. They stubbornly stretched out Jett Propelled and Square Deal through an opening quarter in :27. Jett Propelled and driver Jason Thompson cleverly were able to dive down along the pylons after the quarter-pole. Square Deal and driver Tony Morgan were not as fortunate and continued to be parked out by the aggressor Ballast They later managed to grab a seat in front of the stands. Ballast continued to set sails through a half in :54.4, a :27.4 quarter.
Jett Propelled, the 6/5 betting favorite, was right lined by driver Jason Thompson and sprinted first-over up the backstretch straightaway from third. Linemup Knockmback shadowed second-over. Always B Merry was third-over. Racin Hungry circled four-wide as the back field was in motion. Square Deal protected the pocket position.
Ballast continued on her mission when Jett Propelled drew alongside with a menacing brush. The three-quarters were reached in 1:23.1, a :28.2 quarter.
Jett Propelled powered to the front at the top of the stretch and won easily by one and three-quarters, pacing her mile in 1:52. She returned $4.40 to her investors. Square Deal saved ground along the pylons finishing second. Ballast fought hard and finished third.
Jett Propelled (Roddy’s Bags Again) is owned, trained and bred by Bob Shahan of Harrington, Delaware. Jason Thompson drove for one of his three driving wins on the night.
After the race Bob Shahan remarked “I was tickled to death with how she raced. I was a little concerned that she might get shuffled, but it worked out.”
The feature on Thursday’s betting card will be the 10th race $25,000 Open Handicap pace. Downers Delight seeks his second consecutive victory in the event. However, eleven-year-old Itsrockandroll A and Steven’s Saloon will press the issue.
Bally’s Dover races Monday thru Thursday. Post time is 4:30 p.m.