Dover, DE — Itsrockandroll A dug deep to repel a stubborn Goldberg in Thursday’s (Jan. 7) $20,000 Open Handicap Pace at Dover Downs.

Itsrockandroll A proved toughest of all in Thursday’s Open Handicap Pace at Dover Downs. Fotowon photo.

Corey Callahan settled Itsrockandroll A into third while Trojan Banner N and Shneonucrzydiamnd A disputed a :28.1 first quarter. Itsrockandroll A took his cue from Callahan off the first turn and sprinted from third to gain command reaching the half in :56.1.

Up the backstretch, Goldberg rallied steadily on the outside, picking up horses one by one before sticking a head past Itsrockandroll A at three-quarters in 1:24.1. Goldberg grabbed the lead, but was unable to clear, as Itsrockandroll A fought back in the stretch to win by a neck in 1:51.2. Goldberg (Montrell Teague) was a game second; Rollwithpapajoe (Tony Morgan) finished third.

Trainer Dylan Davis co-owns Itsrockandroll A, a 6-year-old A Rocknroll Dance gelding, with Michael Casalino Jr. Sent off the even money favorite, Itsrockandroll A paid $4.20 to win.

Racing at Dover Downs resumes on Monday (Jan. 11); post time is 4:30 p.m.