Dover, DE – Penzance Hanover benefitted from a perfect journey and won the Blue Hen/Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday (Feb. 22) night.
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Mack and Penzance Hanover launched off the wings of the gate for the early advantage. Energetic Hanover joined the party and rushed to the top and passed opening quarter in :26.3 Penzance Hanover retreated to the pocket. Energetic Hanover and George Napolitano Jr. slowed down the pace, reaching the half in :55.4, a :29.1 quarter.
Baba O’Riley moved first-over past the half and was joined by Belmont Royale N, who raced second-over on the rim and in hot pursuit of the pace-setter Energetic Hanover braced for the challenge and passed the three-quarters in 1:23.2 (:27.3) Penzance Hanover, the 6/5 betting favorite, waited patiently to time his move.
Driver Art Stafford Jr was able to surge late along the pylons and won by a length and a half. The ten-year-old, paced the mile in 1:52 for his second consecutive victory. He paid $4.40 for the win.
Penzance Hanover (Somebeachsomewhere) is owned, trained and driven by Arthur Stafford Jr of Felton, DE.
Jack’s Shadow N closed well to finish second. Mack saved ground along the pylons and finished third.
Bally’s Dover races Monday thru Thursday. Post time is 4:30 p.m.