Dover, DE — Chapheart proved to have the heart of a lion and won the $25,000 Open Handicap Trot at Bally’s Dover on a chilly Tuesday night (Dec. 3).
Rivers and Chapheart were quickest off the wings of the starting gate. Rivers settled into the pocket and Chapheart surged to the top, reaching the opening quarter in :27.4. Chapheart raced comfortably and led the field of trotters to the half in :57.1.
Inaminute Hanover moved off the pylons and traveled first-over up the backstretch. Sinatra De Vie followed second-over on the rim. Those attempts fell short. Chapheart was in total command passing the three-quarters in 1:25.3. Rivers remained in the pocket and JL Cruze saved ground along the pylons.
Chapheart would not be denied and won by 2-1/4 lengths in 1:54.3. Rivers finished second; JL Cruze finished third.
Chapheart, a 5-year-old gelded son of Chapter Seven, was driven by Pat Berry for trainer Dylan Davis and the partnership of Mike Casalino Jr. and Dylan Davis Racing. He paid $4.60 as the 6-5 favorite.
Bally’s Dover races Monday through Thursday with a 4:30 p.m. post time.