Dover, DE – In one of the most incredible miles performed, Jett Propelled won the $25,000 Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Wednesday (April 1) night.
As stormed clouds drew near it was a battle royale for the ages. Ballast (Art Stafford Jr) blasted off the wings of the starting gate first. Jett Propelled (Jason Thompson) also left from post six and the two pacing mares squared off early. They reached the opening quarter in a spirited :25.4. Last week’s winner Racin Hungry and driver Pat Berry joined in on the hunt and was also parked on the outside but with cover. The best pacing mares on the grounds raced double tiered with neither giving in. The half was blistered in :53.2. The heavyweight fight continued up the backstretch between Ballast on the inside and Jett Propelled on the rim. The battled continued to the three-quarters in 1:22.
Ballast and Jett Propelled raced side by side looking each other eye to eye daring for the other to quit. Racin Hungry remained parked as driver Pat Berry kicked in gear three wide, however that bid stalled.
At the top of the lane the street fight continued as Jett Propelled finally wore down the pacesetter Ballast. Almost Persuaded saved ground along the pylons and was closing fast. Jett Propelled delivered the knockout blow and scored a three-quarter length victory. She paced her incredible mile in 1:51.4.
Almost Persuaded finished a fast closing second. Pacesetter Ballast fought hard and finished third.
Jett Propelled ( Roddy’s Bags Again) is owned, trained and was bred by Bob Shahan. Jason Thompson drove. After the race an elated trainer Bob Shahanan was beaming.” She showed them that she is the boss” Driver Jason Thompson beaming called out. “She’s the greatest pacing mare I ever drove.”
The feature on Thursday’s betting card is the second race $51,300 Bally’s Dover Late Closing Series Final for three-year-old colt and gelding pacers.
Downers Delight, Bally’s Dover Horse Of The Meet returns in the $25,000 Open Handicap Pace. Wehadababyetzaboy looks to extend his three-race win streak in the event.
Thursday is the final night of live harness racing for the season. Post time is 4:30 p.m.