Dover, DE — Itsrockandroll A stormed home to victory in Thursday night’s (Jan. 14) $20,000 Open Handicap Pace at Dover Downs.

Itsrockandroll A (#7) out-gamed Tiger Thompson N to the winning post and held off a ferocious rally from Soho Burning Love A (#5) in Thursday’s Open Handicap Pace at Dover Downs. Fotowon photo.

US Captain and Tiger Thompson N alternated on the lead through the first turn, and Tiger Thompson N seized command from US Captain past a :27.1 first quarter after initially yielding. Tiger Thompson N and driver Dexter Dunn rated a :55.2 half and sped to three-quarters in 1:22.4 with Itsrockandroll A and Corey Callahan making steady first-over gains from fifth and Soho Burning Love A — who was taking on male competition for the first time — shadowing cover. In the stretch, Itsrockandroll A zeroed in on Tiger Thompson N and prevailed by a nose in 1:50.2. Tiger Thompson N was a gallant second; Soho Burning Love A (Tim Tetrick) finished third as the 3-5 favorite, only missing by a neck.

Trainer Dylan Davis co-owns Itsrockandroll A, a 6-year-old A Rocknrol Dance gelding, with Michael Casalino Jr.

Racing at Dover Downs resumes on Monday (Jan. 18); post time is 4:30 p.m.