Dover, DE — Heinikin Bythebay held off a late challenge from 3-2 favorite Island Of The Sea to win the final $27,500 Blue Hen/Open Handicap Pace of the 2022-23 season at Bally’s Dover and spring a 10-1 upset in the closing night (Thursday, March 30) feature.

Three pacers fought for the early lead as Grand Cayman parked both Island Of The Sea and Heinikin Bythebay through a :26.2 first quarter. Island Of The Sea cleared past that mark before then yielding to Heinkin Bythebay before a strenuous :54.2 half.

Capt Jack Hanover took his cue past the half and braved a first-over trip out of fourth, dueling with Heinikin Bythebay to three-quarters in 1:22.1 before fading on the far turn. Others came calling at the top of the stretch, however — including Island Of The Sea, who attempted to duplicate his win from the week prior by snaking along the pylons, and Grand Cayman, who angled to the outside in full flight after being shuffled to sixth up the backstretch. Heinikin Bythebay and driver Tim Tetrick held them all at bay and prevailed by a nose in 1:51.2. Island Of The Sea (Simon Allard) was second; Grand Cayman (George Napolitano Jr.) finished third, only a neck behind.

Heinikin Bythebay made his last call of the 2022-23 Bally’s Dover meet a winning one, holding sway in this blanket finish. Fotowon photo.

Heinikin Bythebay, a 4-year-old Southwind Lynx gelding owned by KDK Standardbreds and trained by Kevin Switzer, paid $23.00 to win.

Penzance Hanover, who was voted the Horse of the Meet, failed to threaten from a fourth-over position, finishing sixth, beaten 2-1/4 lengths.

Tony Morgan and Joe Columbo were the leading driver and trainer, respectively, for the 2022-23 Bally’s Dover meeting.