Dover, DE – Factory Girl waited patiently, then struck from off the pace, to win back-to-back races in the Fillies and Mares Open Handicap pace at Bally’s Dover on Wednesday (Jan. 7) night.
Jett Propelled left quickly at the start of the race but held the lead briefly when Huntress activated the give and go. Huntress vacated the pocket and rushed to take the lead past the opening quarter in a quick :26.3. Jett Propelled accepted the pocket.
Huntress was in total control of the race as the field of aged pacing mares raced in single file reaching the half in 55.1 (:28.3). Watching Brief N raced first-over and coverless up the backstretch. Ballast shadowed second-over. However those bids stalled.
Jett Propelled saved ground along the pylons in the pocket. Factory Girl was able to maneuver off the pylons from third and revved up to take on the pace setter Huntress reaching the three-quarters in 1:23.4 (:28.3). Factory Girl powered to the top in the stretch and won by a neck in 1:52.2. She paid $8.00 for the win. Jett Propelled found her best stride late and finished second. Huntress tired late and finished third.
Factory Girl ( Downbytheseaside) is owned by Angela Cornell of Freeport, New York. The breeder was Doug Ackerman Stables LLC of Ohio. Scott Di Domenico trained and Tim Tetrick drove.
The feature race on Thursday’s betting card is the 10th race $27,500 Blue Hen Open Handicap Pace. Tom Horn places his ten race win streak on the line. However, it won’t be an easy task. He faces 11-year-old war horse Itsrockandroll A and last week’s winner Muskateer Hanover.
Bally’s Dover races Monday thru Thursday. Post time is 4:30 p.m.