Dover, DE — Downers Delight saved ground along the pylons and sprinted home to win the $25,000 Open Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday night (Jan. 22).
Dale Yeah, sent off the 4-5 favorite, utilized his quick early speed and sprinted to the early lead through a :26.2 opening quarterbefore backing down the tempo through a :55.1 half.
Renaissance Deo, who won back-to-back races, moved first-over at the five-eighths marker pacing up the backstretch, with Primo Maschio chasing in the pocket and Downers Delight waiting patiently along the pylons behind them.
Dale Yeah accelerated and reached the three-quarters in 1:22.1.
Renaissance Deo’s parked-out bid wilted, allowing Downers Delight the opportunity to find clearance and thunder home to win by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:50. Dale Yeah and Primo Maschio finished in a dead heat for second.
Downers Delight (Bettor’s Delight), who paid $7.20 to win, is owned by TLB Racing LLC. Pat Berry drove for trainer Traci Berry.
There will be a superfecta carryover of $1,169 to Monday’s (Jan. 26) third race.
Bally’s Dover hosts live harness racing Monday through Thursday. Daily post time is 4:30 p.m. (EST).