Dover, DE — A Blue Million trotted his way to his fourth consecutive victory in the $25,000 Open Handicap Trot at Bally’s Dover on Tuesday night (Jan. 20).
A Blue Million and Last Glow charged quickest away from the starting gate and trotted into the first turn together.
A Blue Million finally cleared the lead but not before being parked out by a stubborn Last Glow before the quarter pole. Speed Away also left from the outside and found a seat in third.
The opening quarter was reached in :28. Arrowhead Hanover attempted a quarter pole move early from fourth, however that strategy proved unsuccessful.
A Blue Million refused to yield and gave the cold shoulder to the parked-out Arrowhead Hanover. The half was secured in :56.1.
The battle continued up the backstretch and into chilly 12-degree temperatures. A Blue Million and Arrowhead Hanover continued their late night slugfest.
Somebody Special, the mare taking on the boys, followed into a second-over journey and Victor Laszlo was anchored third-over.
A Blue Million was finally able to put away a hard fought effort by Arrowhead Hanover at the 1:24.4 three-quarters.
A squadron of trotters began to take flight from the back of the pack all in pursuit of a battle torn A Blue Million when Arrowhead Hanover weakened.
At the top of the lane, 2-1 favorite Victor Laszlo geared up three-wide and Muscle Dynasty was carried out four-wide. Last Glow was preparing to make his presence felt in the pocket and was charging hard along the pylons. A Blue Million showed grit and determination winning by a half length. He trotted the mile in 1:53.1, a lifetime mark. Last Glow finished second and Speed Away was third.
A Blue Million (Swan In A Million), who returned $7.60 to his investors, won his fourth consecutive start for owner Stephen Stoll. Montrell Teague drove for trainer Tim Crissman.
Tim Tetrick won four races on the card.
The feature race at Bally’s Dover on Wednesday (Jan. 21) is the Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace. The contenders include Ballast, last week’s winner; and Square Deal, who is in search of her fourth consecutive victory. First post is 4:30 p.m.