Dover, DE — Bo Mach was a repeat winner at Dover Downs, taking Thursday’s (Jan. 30) installment of the $30,000 Preferred Handicap Pace in 1:51.1.

Bo Mach scored a repeat win in Thursday’s top pace at Dover Downs. Fotowon photo.

Bo Mach and Corey Callahan left alertly for the lead and forced Eddard Hanover to race from the pocket. Wiggle It Jiggleit left for early position, but he retreated to fifth on the first turn while Bo Mach set fractions of :27.2 and :55.1. Little Ben ground up first-over to offer minor pressure, while Rock The Night drafted with cover to three-quarters in 1:23.3.

Bo Mach, sent off at 6-1, held his ground to the line and defeated Eddard Hanover by three-quarters of a length. Little Ben levelled off and finished third. Backstreet Shadow, the 4-5 favorite, finished fourth after having to endure heavy traffic. Wiggle It Jiggleit finished last in the eight-horse field, but was only beaten by four lengths.

Dylan Davis trains Bo Mach, a 5-year-old Mach Three gelding, for owner Howard Taylor.

Closing Statement proved victorious in the sub-featured $19,000 Select Pace, winning in 1:51.1 as the 9-5 favorite.

Drawing Dragons, Duplicated and Closing Statement were involved in an early skirmish for position, with Duplicated N clearing from post eight into a :26.4 first quarter. Closing Statement and Dexter Dunn quickly sprinted from fourth to take the lead just past the quarter mark, and the pair rolled to a :54.2 half.

Hallie’s Comet advanced to take on Closing Statement through three-quarters in 1:22.2, while California Cruisin and Bettorever raced second- and third-over. In the stretch, Closing Statement closed the books on the field and won by three-quarters of a length. Hallie’s Comet was a game second, and Duplicated N could only finish third after failing to gain any ground from his perfect trip.

Mark Harder trains Closing Statement, a 5-year-old Somebeachsomewhere gelding, for owners Glenn Goller and Abe Basen.