Dover, DE — Embrace The Grind proved a determined winner in Tuesday’s (Jan. 24) $18,000 Winners Over/Select Handicap Trot at Bally’s Dover, fending off a late challenge from Northern Express to cap a driving hat trick for Tony Morgan.

The three outside horses — Embrace The Grind, Highland Mowgli and Northern Express — all legt in unison, with Embrace The Grind securing the pocket behind Highland Mowgli through a :27 quarter before rushing to the top. After reaching the half in :55.2, Embrace The Grind came under attack approaching the three-quarters in 1:24 as 2-1 favorite Northern Express had moved off the rail from third and advanced first-over.

In the stretch, Embrace The Grind maintained his lead, but a host of closers encroached in the final sixteenth. The 7-year-old Keystone Activator gelding found enough to win by a half length over Northern Express (driven by Russell Foster).

Embrace The Grind stood steadfast under siege to win Tuesday’s featured trot at Bally’s Dover. Fotowon photo.

Fifty Ways (Michael Cole) rallied off cover to narrowly claim third over Pass Key and the stalled Highland Mowgli. Notably, the top five horses were covered by just a length at the finish line.

Bobby Glassmeyer owns and trains Embrace The Grind, who paid $8.80 to win.

In addition to Morgan, Corey Callahan scored three driving wins on the card.

Racing at Bally’s Dover resumes Wednesday (Jan. 25); post time is 4:30 p.m.