Dover, DE — Belmont Royale N closed from well off the pace and thundered home to win the $27,500 Blue Hen/Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday night (Jan. 11).

My Miki Beach left quickly from the start of the race parking out Energetic Hanover to the opening quarter in :26.1. Energetic Hanover continued on an uncontested lead to the half in :54.3. The backfield was set into motion when Soaring Now moved first-over out of fourth up the backstretch, towing both Penzance Hanover and Belmont Royale N forward with him.

Energetic Hanover continued on the engine passing the three quarters in 1:21.4, and as Soaring Now’s bid stalled, Penzance Hanover was forced to circle three-wide and Belmont Royale N followed four-wide. Meanwhile, 3-2 favorite I Did It Myway was trapped along the inside with pace. Belmont Royale N surged late and won by a half length in 1:50.4.

Belmont Royale N closed powerfully down the grandstand side to spring a 10-1 upset in the week’s top pacing event at Bally’s Dover. Fotowon photo.

Penzance Hanover was second; Energetic Hanover narrowly held off I Did It Myway for third.

Belmont Royale N, a 7-year-old Betterthancheddar gelding, was driven by Victor Kirby for trainer Richard “Nifty” Norman and the partnership of Archie McNeil, Bill O’ Donnell and Enzed Racing Stable. He paid $22.80 to win.

Monday’s (Jan. 15) card features three carryovers: $1,477 in the Pick-4, $664 in the Pick-5 and $1,795 in the pentafecta. First post is 4:30 p.m.