Dover, DE – Racin Hungry, generally a closer, changed strategy by racing on the front end and won the $25,000 Mares Open Handicap pace at Bally’s Dover on Wednesday (March 25) night.
Ballast and driver Art Stafford Jr (post 4) and Racin Hungry (post 6) were quickest leaving the gate racing into the first turn. Ballast retreated to the pylons but not before parking out Racin Hungry through a blistering opening quarter in :26.1.
Driver Pat Berry and Racin Hungry, the 6/5 betting favorite, were in total control of the race fractions. They backed the half down in :55.1, a :29 flat quarter. Disturbed Hanover moved first over past the half. Almost Persuaded shadowed second-over on the rim. Ballast raced in the pocket.
Racin Hungry raced confidently on the lead as Disturbed Hanover drew alongside turning up the pressure. The three-quarters were paced in 1:22.1, a :27 flat throwdown. At the top of the stretch, Racin Hungry accelerated and drew off to win by four lengths and under wraps in 1:50.3. She returned $4.40 for the victory. Disturbed Hanover finished second and Ballast was third.
Racin Hungry (Stay Hungry) is owned by Glenn Goller of Delray Beach, Florida and Stephen Demeter of Tarrytown New York. Robin Morley and Susan Zammit are the breeders. After the race trainer Pat Berry (Racin Hungry) commented. “When I saw Jason’s (Thompson) mare Jett Propelled take back, I didn’t see a lot of speed on the inside and wanted to try leaving with her and she responded.”
Tim Tetrick drove five winners on the card and eleven total winners over back to back nights at Bally’s Dover.
On Thursday’s card, there are two elimination races of the Bally’s Dover Late Closer series for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers, DSBF eligibles.
The feature race of the week is the 10th race $25,000 Open Handicap Pace. Muskateer Hanover returns after a week away from the races. Wehadababyetzaboy enters the race off back-to-back impressive wins.
Bally’s Dover races Monday thru Thursday post time is 4:30 p.m.
Next week will be the final week of Live Harness racing at Bally’s Dover for the year.