Dover, DE — Energetic Hanover waited patiently and exploded in the stretch to capture the $28,500 Blue Hen/Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday night (Jan. 4).

It was a fierce battle leaving the gate as Penzance Hanover parked out Mack, Belmont Royale N and 1-2 betting favorite I Did It Myway pacing to the quarter. Mack cleared the lead passing the opening quarter in :26.4 and Penzance Hanover retreated to the rail. I Did It Myway was parked to the half in :55 before finally clearing on the lead and opening a two-length advantage.

Island of the Sea pulled first-over up the backstretch, providing cover to Effingham, who was second-over, and Energetic Hanover, who started to roll third-over. I Did It Myway continued on the lead passing the three-quarters in 1:22.1, but at the top of the stretch, Energetic Hanover and driver George Napolitano Jr. circled three-wide, surged to the lead, and held off a late rally from Penzance Hanover by a head in 1:50.4. I Did It Myway was a game third.

Energetic Hanover pounced from off the pace to win Thursday’s pacing feature at Bally’s Dover. Fotowon photo.

Energetic Hanover, a son of Captaintreacherous, is trained by Tony Alagna for owner Sam Bowie. He paid $7.60 to win.

Pat Berry drove three winners; Bobby Glassmeyer recorded a training and owning triple.

When racing at Bally’s Dover resumes on Monday (Jan. 8), there will be a Pick-5 carryover of $1,184. First post is 4:30 p.m.