Dover, DE — Downers Delight was a wire-to-wire winner in the $25,000 Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday night (Feb. 26).
After racing off the pace last week, tonight was a different story for Downers Delight.
Downers Delight and Itsrockandroll A both exploded in unison at the start of the race.
Downers Delight and driver Pat Berry powered to the top. Itsrockandroll A (Russell Foster) accepted the pocket trip. Muskateer Hanover, who won this race last week, was sent off as the 1-5 betting favorite.
Driver Allan Davis briefly attempted a quarter-pole move with Muskateer Hanover but wisely ducked back along the pylons in third.
Downers Delight gained the early advantage but may have paid the price through a taxing :25.3 quarter. Berry throttled the speed of Downers Delight, backing down the half in :54.4.
Downers Delight continued to advance up the backstretch. Muskateer Hanover gained momentum first-over and was charging hard in pursuit of the pacesetter. Both pacers were eyeball to eyeball at the three-quarters in 1:22.4. Wehadababyetzaboy drafted second-over and Itsrockandroll A was gathering momentum in the pocket.
In deep stretch, Downers Delight began to draw off and won by 1-3/4 lengths. He paced his mile in 1:50.4 and returned $8.60 for the win.
Itsrockandroll A sprinted along the pylons late but finished second. Muskateer Hanover finished third.
“I was a little concerned with the 2:5.3 quarter and Itsrockandroll A coming late,” said Berry. “He just doesn’t get the respect he deserves.”
Downers Delight is owned by TLB Racing and trained by Traci Berry.
Armed Bandit won his 11th consecutive race.
Berry and Tim Tetrick achieved four driving wins each on the night.
Bally’s Dover races Monday through Thursday. Post time is 4:30 p.m.