Dover, DE — JL Cruze and driver Montrell Teague benefitted from a perfect pocket trip to win a $17,000 conditioned trot at Bally’s Dover on Tuesday night (Dec. 10).
JL Cruze left alertly before releasing even-money favorite Renegade Gypsy approaching the quarter pole. Renegade Gypsy hammered out early fractions of :28.2 and :57.2 before Not For Money began a mild first-over challenge up the backstretch.
Seeking his third consecutive win at Bally’s Dover, Renegade Gypsy remained in total control passing three-quarters in 1:26.1, however JL Cruze was lurking in the pocket and waiting for the opportunity to swing wide for the stretch drive. In mid-stretch, JL Cruze gained to be level with Renegade Gypsy before surging forward to win by a neck in 1:55.2. Swan’s Maid finished a ground-saving second; Renegade Gypsy was third.
JL Cruze, a 13-year-old Crazed gelding who has earned just shy of $2 million from 247 lifetime starts, is trained by Eric Ell for Kenneth Wood, Bill Dittmar Jr. and Stephen Iaquinta. He paid $5.00 to win.
Allan Davis recorded four driving wins on the night.
Bally’s Dover races Monday through Thursday with a post time of 4:30 p.m. (EST). Wednesday’s (Dec. 11) card features a $6,789 carryover in the 50-cent pentafecta in the 14th race.