Dover, DE — Penzance Hanover and owner-trainer-driver Art Stafford Jr. made a well-timed move to win Thursday’s (Feb. 9) $27,500 Blue Hen/Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover.

As Grand Cayman and Ultimaroca dueled through a :26.1 first quarter, Penzance Hanover floated into a seat in fourth and Backstreet Shadow was forced to take back to last. Grand Cayman dismissed of Ultimaroca heading into the clubhouse turn, but was still pushed to the half in :54.3 with an upstart Penzance Hanover encroaching first-over up the backstretch and challenging for the lead at three-quarters in 1:21.1. Grand Cayman became leg weary after setting speedy fractions and was overpowered by Penzance Hanover, who powered into the lane and won by 2-3/4 lengths in a lifetime best 1:49.2.

Penzance Hanover ground steadily into a blistering pace and drew clear in Thursday’s featured pace at Bally’s Dover. Fotowon photo.

Grand Cayman (driven by George Napolitano Jr.) finished second; Baba O’Riley (Barton Dalious) was third.

Penzance Hanover, a 9-year-old Somebeachsomewhere gelding, paid $4.20 to win.

Tim Tetrick led all drivers with four wins on the 13-race card; Tony Morgan won three. Chuck Crissman Jr. notched a training triple.

Monday’s (Feb. 13) card at Bally’s Dover features a trio of carryovers: $3,316 in the Pick-4 (races 2-5), $1,868 in the Pick-5 (races 6-10), and $1,874 in the pentafecta (last race). Post time is 4:30 p.m.