Dover, DE — Grand Cayman worked out a pocket trip and sprinted home strongly for a 1:51.2 victory in Thursday’s (Dec. 29) $28,500 Blue Hen/Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover.

Penzance Hanover and driver Art Stafford Jr. left alertly off the gate from post six to clear the lead and control fractions of :26.4, :55.2 and 1:22.4 while Grand Cayman protected the pocket. Off the final turn, George Napolitano Jr. steered Grand Cayman out of the pocket, and the 4-year-old Always B Miki gelding passed a leg-weary Penzance Hanover in the final sixteenth to win by a widening 1-1/4 lengths.

Grand Cayman vaulted out of the pocket to spring a 5-1 minor upset in Thursday’s pacing feature at Bally’s Dover. Fotowon photo.

Island Of The Sea (Allan Davis) shook free from traffic late and rallied for second; Mack (Ross Wolfenden) was an even third. Incaseyoudidntknow, the only mare in the race, failed to sustain an uncovered bid up the backstretch and finished sixth.

Crissy Crissman-Bier trains Grand Cayman, who paid $12.60 to win, for owner Vincent Ferriero Jr.

Napolitano earned a triple on the 13-race card.

Racing at Bally’s Dover continues on Monday (Jan. 2). Post time is 4:30 p.m.