Dover, DE — Mack found room along the pylons late and surged to victory in the Blue Hen/Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday night (Dec. 7).

There was a three-horse scramble between Heinikin Bythebay, Sprocket and Captain Cowboy for the early lead approaching the quarter. Heinikin Bythebay won the early battle and sped past the quarter in :26.2. Sprocket pulled the pocket and was joined by 9-5 favorite Penzance Hanover past the quarter. The two pacers battled to the half in :54.2.

Penzance Hanover cleared for the lead and took control up the backstretch. Virgo moved first-over and Stag Party joined second-over, both in attack mode. Mack was screaming for room from last but sat patiently along the pylons for clearance. Penzance Hanover was on a mission and maintained the lead passing three-quarters in 1:22.1. At the top the stretch, Penzance Hanover started to bear out allowing Captain Cowboy to find room. Mack was also able to find room late along the pylons and was raging with pace. Mack won by a nose in 1:51.1. Captain Cowboy finished second; Penzance Hanover was third.

Mack gave driver Montrell Teague one of his four wins on Thursday at Bally’s Dover. Fotowon photo.

Montrell Teague drove Mack, who paid $21.00 to win, for trainer Joe Columbo and owner George & Tina Dennis Racing. The win was one of four for Teague on the 15-race card. Simon Allard recorded a driving triple.

A quartet of $110,000 Delaware Standardbred Breeders’ Fund finals headline next week’s races at Bally’s Dover. Post time every Monday through Thursday is 4:30 p.m.