Dover, DE — Downers Delight benefitted from a pocket trip and won the $27,500 Blue Hen Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday night (Dec. 11).
Itsrockandroll A and Downers Delight were quickest off the wings of the starting gate approaching the quarter pole. Itsrockandroll A, the 4-5 favorite, powered to the top. Downers Delight accepted the pocket ride.
The 10-year-old war horse Itsrockandroll A set fractions of :27.2 at the opening quarter and :56 to the half.
Steven’s Saloon moved to the outside at the three-eighths marker and inched his way up, parked out and coverless past the half. Itsrockanroll A continued to lead up the backstretch. Steven’s Saloon drew alongside. Both pacers prepared to do battle and swords were drawn approaching the three-quarter pole. Downers Delight was content to watch the battle from the pocket.
Muskateer Hanover was towed into a second-over stalking position and ready to attack. Sweet Angel Boy joined the battle third-over on the rim. The three-quarters were marched off in 1:23.3.
At the top of the stretch, Itsrockandroll A was able to put away the pesky Steven’s Saloon. The major danger proved to be Downers Delight. Driver Pat Berry and Downers Delight snaked through along the pylons in deep stretch to win by a neck in 1:51.4.
Itsrockandroll A fought hard to finish second and Steven’s Saloon was third.
Downers Delight, a 7-year-old Bettor’s Delight gelding who paid $13.40 to win, is owned by TLB Racing LLC and was bred by James Downer. Traci Berry trains, and her husband, Pat Berry, drove. The victory was his 11th of 23 starts this season.
The 3-year-old DSBF finals begin next week, each carrying a purse of $110,000.
Bally’s Dover races Monday through Thursday with a first-race post time of 4:30 p.m.