Dover, DE — Island Of The Sea, who benefited from a perfect pocket trip, won the $27,500 Blue Hen Open Pace at Dover Downs on Thursday night (Jan. 13).

Island Of The Sea won the $27,500 Blue Hen Open Pace. Fotowon photo.

Southwind Ozzi and driver Tim Tetrick were hard used and parked three wide into the first turn. JJ Flynn and Island Of The Sea forced the issue before taking seats and allowing Southwind Ozzi to earn the lead. Southwind Ozzi blistered the opening quarter in :26.3 and the half was reached in :55.2.

Tiger Thompson N moved to the outside from fifth and marched uncovered toward the three-quarters. Slick Tony followed second over on the rim. Southwind Ozzi marched to the three-quarters in 1:23. The outside flow stalled and Island Of The Sea waited in the pocket and JJ Flynn was third.

Southwind Ozzi became leg weary at the top of the lane. Island Of The Sea and George Napolitano Jr. were able to wear down the leader in the stretch and won by three-quarters of a length in 1:51. JJ Flynn saved ground to finish second for Allan Davis. Southwind Ozzi was third.

Island Of The Sea (Always A Virgin-Trinity Islands) is owned by Eric and Lisa Ell. Eric Ell also trains. The winner paid $5.60.

Tim Tetrick and Allan Davis scored three driving wins each. Trainer Wayne Givens, his owners Reginald Hazzard and Legacy Racing Of Delaware Inc., all recorded triples.

Dover Downs resumes racing on Monday. Post time is 4:30 p.m.