Dover, DE – Jett Propelled avenged last week’s narrow defeat by winning gate to wire in the Mares Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Wednesday (March 18) night.
Jett Propelled (post 5) and Ballast (post 6) left the gate together racing into the first turn. Jett Propelled was driven aggressively from the start and forced Ballast and driver Mike Cole to accept the pocket trip.
Jett Propelled, the 4/5 betting favorite, was in full flight racing to the opening quarter in a hot :26.2. Driver Jason Thompson put on the brakes and backed down the half in :55.4, a :29.3 panel.
Disturbed Hanover braved a first over and coverless trip up the backstretch Racin Hungry, last week’s winner gladly accepted the second over cover. Ballast waited patiently in the pocket Jett Propelled and Disturbed Hanover raced side by side passing the three-quarters in 1:23.4, an amped up :28 quarter.
Jett Propelled continued to do the heavy lifting leading the field distaff pacing mares into the stretch.
Racin Hungry geared up three wide and was closing fast. Ballast took her cue and started to roll along the pylons. Jett Propelled dug in late to win by three quarters of a length and was timed in 1:52.2. She paid $3.60 for the win. Racin Hungry ran out of real estate late and finished second. Almost Persuaded closed to finish third.
Jett Propelled (Roddy’s Bags Again) a winner of four of her last five starts, is owned and trained by Bob Shahan of Harrington, Delaware. Jason Thompson drove. After the race Bob Shahan remarked. “She dug right in and was very tough tonight. I was very happy with her performance tonight.”
The feature race on Thursday’s 15 race card is the 12th race $25,000 Open Handicap Pace. Downers Delight took a week off and returns to the races and is searching for his fifth victory in the last six starts in the event. Itsrockandroll A and Steven’s Saloon are the main threats. There are also two divisions of the Bally’s Dover Late Closer for three-year-old colt and gelding pacers.
Bally’s Dover races Monday thru Thursday. Post time is 4:30 p.m.