Dover, DE – Huntress won her third consecutive start and captured the Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Wednesday (Nov.12) night.
Even odds betting favorite, Huntress sprinted quickly out of the starting gate from post 8 but met resistance early when Jett Propelled and Laurel Court left together entering the first turn and parking her out.
Huntress marched on clearing the lead after being parked to the opening quarter in a taxing :26.1. Jett Propelled and Laurel Court retreated to the pylons. Huntress and driver Allan Davis were allowed a breather reaching the half in :55.2 a :29.1 quarter. Melody Hanover was on the hunt and raced coverless first-over before the half. Square Deal shadowed second-over and Lofty Treasure followed third-over up the backstretch. Jett Propelled was content to watch from the pocket.
Huntress and Melody Hanover matched strides passing the three quarters in 1:23.1 a :27.4 ticker.
At the top of the stretch Huntress showed her heart and dug down deep. Lofty Treasure circled three- wide and Incaseyoudidn’tknow was pacing out of her skin from seventh.
Huntress held on to win by a neck and paced the mile in 1:52.4. She paid an even $4.00 for the victory. Incaseyoudidntknow ran out of real estate and finished second. Laurel Court was third.
Huntress (Huntsville) is owned by Manklin Creek LLC of Berlin, MD.
Eric Ell trained and Allan Davis drove. Russell Foster drove three winners on the betting card
Expectations are high Thursday (Nov.13) night as Bally’s Dover welcomes the Matron Stakes for three-year-olds. The Matron Stakes take place in races 6,8,10 and 12. There are 15 betting races slated. Bally’s races Monday through Thursday with a first race post of 4:30 p.m.