Dover, DE — Keg Stand brushed first-over and powered to victory in the $25,000 Open Handicap Trot at Bally’s Dover on Tuesday night (Nov. 12).
Chapheart and JL Cruze left alertly trotting to the quarter pole. The 13-year-old JL Cruze became anxious from the pocket and took command of the lead, passing the opening quarter in a wind-aided :27.3. JL Cruze continued on the lead passing the half in :56.2.
Keg Stand launched his bid from sixth and brushed first-over up the backstretch. Sinatra De Vie followed in pursuit second-over and 1-2 favorite Asteroid chased third-over. Keg Stand sprinted past pacesetter JL Cruze after reaching the three-quarters in 1:25.1 and drew off in deep stretch to win by 3-1/2 lengths in 1:53.3. Chapheart rallied up the inside for second; Asteroid rallied off cover for third.
Keg Stand, a 5-year-old gelded son of Bar Hopping, is owned by David Hamm and EVM Racing, trained by Nick DeVita, and was driven by Tony Morgan.
Corey Callahan led all drivers with four wins on the program, Morgan had a driving triple, and Frank Chick recorded an owning double.
On Wednesday (Nov. 13), 2-year-old pacing fillies will compete in the $133,100 Matron Stakes, which is carded as race 12. First post is 4:30 p.m.