Dover, DE – For driver Corey Callahan and Ballast, it was a change in race strategy. Last week they raced from off-the-pace. Tonight it was a successful down the road approach. Ballast proved to be a convincing winner in the Fillies and Mares Open Handicap pace at Bally’s Dover on Wednesday (Jan.14) night.
Huntress left quickest at the start of the race. Jett Propelled accepted the pocket trip. The 7/5 betting favorite Ballast landed in third briefly into the first turn then rushed up to take the lead away from Huntress.
Ballast was fired up after being parked to the opening quarter in :26.3. She continued on the lead and on a mission reaching the half in :54.1, a sizzling :27.3 quarter. The field was gapped when Racin Hungry and driver Pat Berry decided they had ground to make up and fast. They rallied first-over up the backstretch. Factory Girl raced second-over on the rim and Jet Propelled remained in the pocket. Ballast continued on a two-length lead reaching the three-quarters in 1:22. a :27.4 quarter.
Factory Girl advanced quickly but was forced three wide when Jett Propelled maneuvered her way out from the pocket at the top of the stretch. Ballast was able to turn away those threats and won by a half- length, pacing her mile in 1:52. She paid $4.80 for the victory.
Jett Propelled finished second and Factory Girl finished third. Ballast ( Tall Dark Stranger ) is owned by Evm Racing LLC from Middletown, Delaware. Chuck Crissman Jr trained and Corey Callahan drove.
Tony Morgan drove five winners and Russell Foster drove four winners on the betting card. The featured race for Thursday (Jan. 15) is the 8th race $25,000 Blue Hen Open Handicap pace featuring Muskateer Hanover who is seeking a three peat victory.
Bally’s Dover races Monday thru Thursday. Post Time is 4:30 p.m.