Dover, DE — Judge Bob proved a determined front-end winner amid sub-freezing conditions in Tuesday night’s (Jan. 11) $20,000 Junior Open Trot at Dover Downs.

Judge Bob outlasted a late push to the winning post from Stealing in Tuesday’s trotting feature at Dover Downs. Fotowon photo.

Judge Bob and Tim Tetrick left from post six, but were parked through a rapid :27.3 first quarter by Stealing (Jason Thompson), who yielded to the pocket with just over a lap to go. Once in control, Judge Bob, who dominated on the Maryland circuit throughout 2021, backed the half to :57.2 before buzzing uncontested to three-quarters in 1:25.4. In the stretch, Stealing vacated the pocket and charged home, but ran out of real estate as Judge Bob held his ground by a diminishing neck, winning in 1:54.3. Stealing was second; Whimzical Chapter (Simon Allard) finished third.

Trainer Megan Roberts co-owns Judge Bob, a 7-year-old Great George Two gelding, with the Graham Grace Stables.

Corey Callahan posted a driving triple on the night.

Wednesday’s (Jan. 12) program is led by a Mares Open Pace, featuring Soho Burning Love A, So Miki Hanover and Shes Pukka N, and carded as race 12. First post is 4:30 p.m.