Dover, DE – Divine Deo utilized the passing lane and won the Mares Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Wednesday (Jan. 25) night.

Divine Deo wins the Mares Open Pace at Bally’s Dover. Fotowon photo.

Normally in a six horse field one would expect little action, but not tonight. Despite stormy weather conditions, four pacing mares battled for early race positioning. Divine Deo protected her rail position and parked out Incaseyoudidntknow, Always B First and Majorca N. Incaseyoudidntknow muscled her way to the top, passing the quarter in a blistering :26.3.
Majorca N took back to fifth.

Devine Deo followed the early action from the pocket. Incaseyoudidntknow, the 3/5 betting favorite, was stubborn on the lead and parked Always B First the entire mile. The team raced to the half in :55.2. The dueling leaders continued their private war to the three-quarters in 1:23, a :27.3 quarter. Majorca N grabbed the second-over cover.

Always B First remarkably, held the lead, but not the rail and was up by a length passing the three-quarters.
In the stretch, Incaseyoudidntknow still had strength. Divine Deo utilized the passing lane and forged, forward, and won by a neck in 1:52.1. She paid $23.40 for the win. Divine Deo (Bettor’s Delight) is owned by Mulligan Stables of Georgetown, DE. Jason Johnson trained and Allan Davis drove.

Incaseyoudidntknow finished a hard fought second for trainer Les Givens. Jim Morand had the assignment. Always B First was a game third for trainer Robert Cleary. Brett Beckwith drove.

Tony Morgan drove five winners on the betting card. There is a Pick-5 carryover of $2,314 to Thursday (Jan. 26) night’s card.

Backstreet Shadow, Penzance Hanover and Grand Cayman headline Thursday’s nights Blue Hen/ Open Handicap Pace Thursday at Bally’s Dover. Post Time is 4:30 p.m.