Dover, DE — Slugger On Deck impressively won the $51,300 final of the Bally’s Dover Late Closing Series for Delaware-sired 3-year-old male pacers on Thursday night (April 2) at Bally’s Dover.
The early inside speed was produced by Romain Raider and Arette pacing into the first turn. Slugger On Deck and driver Allan Davis floated on the outside from third then rushed to the top. They were parked to the opening quarter in :26.4. From there, it was all Slugger On Deck. He raced comfortably to the half in :55.1 and the three quarters in 1:23.4. My Boy Brunson raced first-over up the backstretch but was a non-factor. Arette waited in the pocket chasing stablemate Slugger On Deck but to no avail. Slugger On Deck won by 2-1/2 lengths and paced his mile in 1:51.4, a lifetime best.
Arette, Slugger On Deck’s stablemate, finished second and Romain Raider was third.
Slugger On Deck is owned by Jo Ann Looney-King and trained by Jim King Jr. He paid $3.20 to win.
“I waited on the outside for the inside speed to settle,” said Davis. ” I then brushed to the top. He was strong tonight.”
Steven’s Saloon and driver Jason Thompson took an overland trip en route to a minor 5-1 upset in the $25,000 Open Handicap Pace, launching a first-over bid up the backstretch and wearing down 2-5 favorite and Horse of the Meet Downers Delight to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:50.1 for owners Richard Ashley and Michael Cain.
Tim Tetrick and Chuck Crissman Jr. took top driving and training honors, respectively, at the Bally’s Dover meet.
Tonight was the final night of live harness racing for the season at Bally’s Dover.
The Delaware circuit shifts to Harrington Raceway, which will open its spring meet on Monday, April 13.