Dover, DE — Penzance Hanover cruised to his second consecutive victory in Thursday’s (Feb. 16) $27,500 Blue Hen/Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover.

Baba O’Riley left quickest off the gate and forced Grand Cayman and Penzance Hanover to tuck while a parked Backstreet Shadow took back to last. Baba O’Riley led to the quarter in :26.3 before yielding to an eager Penzance Hanover, who sprinted to the front with a lap to go and rolled to the half in :55. Stag Party moved first-over before the half while Semi Tough and Backstreet Shadow followed on the rim. However, they became victims of excess cover and were unable to gain any ground while Penzance Hanover continued on his uncontested lead and idled past the three-quarters in 1:22.4.

Penzance Hanover, a son of Somebeachsomewhere driven by owner-trainer Art Stafford Jr., was in total control in the stretch and won by a half length in 1:50.3 as the 9-5 favorite.

Penzance Hanover held off the inside challenge of Baba O’Riley to score his second consecutive top-level win at Bally’s Dover. Fotowon photo.

Baba O’Riley (Barton Dalious) finished second from his pocket trip; Grand Cayman (George Napolitano Jr.) was third.

Tim Tetrick drove three winners; Chuck Crissman Jr. had a training triple.

There will be a pentafecta carryover of $2,413 into Monday’s (Feb. 20) 13th race at Bally’s Dover. First post time is 4:30 p.m.