Dover, DE – Racin Hungry raced via the overland route and won the Mares Open Handicap pace at Bally’s Dover on Wednesday (Feb. 4) night.
Square Deal and Ballast matched strides at the start of the race. Ballast was able to clear and take the lead away from a stubborn Square Deal, but not before being parked to the opening quarter in snappy :27.3. The track was listed as good. Ballast took advantage of the field racing in single file position. She raced uncontested to the half in :55.3 (:28).
Ballast continued to lead against the best distaff pacing mares on the grounds. Racin Hungry, who was unable to get in the flow of her previous races, exploded. She braved the chilly air and began her journey first-over up the backstretch. Factory Girl, the 6/5 betting favorite, welcomed the second-over covered trip. Disturbed Hanover followed third-over on the rim. Square Deal remained in the pocket Ballast protected pylon position and braced for the menacing brush presented by Racin Hungry. The pacing mares eyeballed each other at three-quarter beam in 1:24.2 (:28.4)
In deep stretch, Racin Hungry was able to inch past a hard fought Ballast at the wire. Racin Hungry won by a measured length, pacing her mile in 1:53.2 and paid $16.20 for the winning payoff. Square Deal finished second and Ballast finished third.
Racin Hungry is owned by Glenn Goller of Delray Beach, Fla. and Stephen Demeter of Tarrytown, NY. Robin Morley and Susan Zammit are the breeders. For winning driver Pat Berry, it was a special night as he celebrated his 50th birthday with the win and a driving triple.
After the race Pat remarked “ last week she started to make her move but I had to grab her up a bit racing up the backstretch. Tonight, I wanted to race her first over the way she likes it”. When asked how he would spend his birthday Pat replied “ have to get up early and take care of the horses”. There are a couple of carryovers slated for Thursday’s races. There is a Pick-5 carryover worth $4,744 and a superfecta carry over worth $1,186
The feature race on Thursday (Feb. 5) will be the $25,000 Open Handicap Pace. Itsrockandroll A returns after a month refreshing. Muskateer Hanover looks for his fourth consecutive victory.
Bally’s Dover races Monday thru Thursday. Post time is 4:30 p.m.