Dover, DE – Keg Stand won his second consecutive Open Handicap Trot at Bally’s Dover on Tuesday night (Nov. 26). But it wasn’t easy.
There was plenty of action early on when Herodotus (Tim Tetrick) spotted the field five lengths before the start of the race. Rivers (Corey Callahan) left alertly along the pylons and parked out JLCruze (Montrell Teague) as well as the 1-2 betting favorite Keg Stand approaching the quarter pole.
JL Cruze cleared the lead passing the opening quarter in :28. Keg Stand continued parked out and bullied his way to the lead before passing the half in :56.4.
Herodotus, who was parked the mile, made a strong move up the backstretch. while JL Cruze remained along the pylons. That Ole Bar Stool (Ross Wolfenden) trotted first up but faded on the rim.
Herodotus drew alongside the pace setter Keg Stand passing the three quarters in 1:25. Both trotters battled late in the lane. Neither one gave way until the final stride. Keg Stand (Bar Hopping) survived the battle and won the war winning by a neck in 1:53.4. He paid $3 for the victory.
Keg Stand is owned by David R. Hamm and EVM Racing LLC both from Delaware. Nicholas Devita trained and Anthony Morgan drove.
Herodotus put forth a Herculean effort and finished second. JL Cruze crossed the line fourth but was placed third.
Tim Tetrick drove five winners on the betting card. Tony Morgan chipped in with a driving four bagger.
Racing continues on Wednesday night (Nov. 27) with a 4:30 p.m. post time and will be highlighted by the signature race of the Bally’s Dover racing season, the $267,960 Progress Pace. The race should prove to be a battle between Matron winner Captain Albano, Breeder’s Crown victor Mirage Hanover and $25,000 supplement Nijinsky.
Live racing from Bally’s Dover will be dark on Thursday for Thanksgiving.