Dover, DE — After sustaining a long first-over bid through the far turn, 11-1 shot Northern Express became the beneficiary of a breaking Scirocco Rob and, through the 3-5 favorite’s disqualification, was elevated to victory in Tuesday’s (March 23) $20,000 Open Handicap Trot at Dover Downs.

Scirocco Rob (#2), shown off stride at the winning post in Tuesday’s Dover Downs Open Trot, causing 11-1 long shot Northern Express (#3) to be elevated to victory. Fotowon photo.

Scirocco Rob protected inside position early by parking out Morairtime and Northern Express, but eventually yielded to Morairtime and Jack Parker Jr. at the end of a :26.4 first quarter and stalked from the pocket through a :55 half. At the five-eighths marker, Northern Express trotted first-up from third and challenged Morairtime to three-quarters in 1:23.3 while Jack Vernon was towed into contention from second-over. As Morairtime and Northern Express battled in the lane, Tim Tetrick angled a fired-up Scirocco Rob to the open stretch. Scirocco Rob surged to the lead, but went off stride in the final yards of a 1:52 mile and was placed fourth for failing to lose ground while on a break. As such, runner-up Northern Express and driver Russell Foster were declared victorious. Jack Vernon (Corey Callahan) rallied off cover and was elevated to second; a worn-down Morairtime was elevated to third.

Northern Express is a 5-year-old Muscle Massive gelding owned and trained by Arty Foster Jr. He paid $24.20 to win.

Racing at Dover Downs continues on Wednesday (March 24). Post time is 4:30 p.m.

Horsemen are advised that Dover will conduct qualifying races next Wednesday (March 31) before the meet concludes on April 1, which is also the deadline to submit stall applications for the upcoming Harrington Raceway meeting.