Dover, DE — Black Hope and 21-year-old driver Cole Olsen took the overland trip to a 17-1 upset in the $25,000 Open Handicap Trot at Bally’s Dover on Tuesday night (Jan. 23).

Global Believer S, the 3-2 favorite, sprinted to the top from post seven and reached the opening quarter in :27.1, seating Northern Express in the pocket. Driver Tim Tetrick throttled the speed of Global Believer S and continued on an uncontested lead at the half in :56.2 before Black Hope began his first-over bid out of fourth up the backstretch. Global Believer S faced pressure from a fired-up Black Hope as they raced as a team to the three-quarters in 1:25.1. Black Hope wore down Global Believer S in the stretch and won by 2-3/4 lengths in 1:54.4. Darbyshire closed late to finish third.

Black Hope edged clear to a decisive win in Tuesday’s Open Handicap Trot at Bally’s Dover. Fotowon photo.

Black Hope, a 5-year-old Bar Hopping gelding, is owned and trained by Darren Olsen.

Wednesday’s (Jan. 24) program features Feeling Sweet taking on Southwind Icenfire and Got the Gold in the Mares Winners Over/Select Pace, as well as a $2,075 Pick-5 carryover. First post time is 4:30 p.m.